toimiensa

Toimiensa is a Finnish linguistic form used primarily as the genitive plural of the noun toimi, meaning act, action, function, or operation. In practice, its most common appearance is in the fixed expression toimiensa mukaan, meaning “according to their actions” or “as they acted.” The construction is typically used to ground a statement in observed behavior rather than stated intent and is frequent in legal, political, or analytical writing rather than casual speech.

Etymology and form: The base term toimi conveys action or functioning, and toimiensa combines it with the plural possessive. The phrase can be extended with additional qualifiers, for example toimiensa perusteella (“based on their actions”) or toimiensa mukaan as noted above. Although it is a standard component of Finnish grammar, toimiensa is not a standalone concept but a grammatical form used within sentences.

Usage: Toimiensa is used to reference the actions of people, groups, or organizations and to frame conclusions or judgments on that basis. It often carries a formal or evaluative tone, signaling that statements rest on observed conduct rather than stated aims.

Examples:

- Toimiensa mukaan hallitus päätti lisätalousarviosta. — According to their actions, the government decided on the supplementary budget.

- Toimiensa perusteella yritys on suunnitellut toimintatapojen muutosta. — Based on their actions, the company has planned changes to its operating methods.

See also: toimi, toimintaa, toiminta, kielellinen ilmaus.