tutkimalla

Tutkimalla is a Finnish word that functions as a non-finite form of the verb tutkia, meaning to examine or investigate. It translates roughly to “by studying” or “by researching” and is used to express the means or method by which an action is performed.

Formation and function: Tutkimalla is formed by adding the suffix -malla to the verb stem and is classified as a gerund. As an adverbial or instrumental form, it introduces how something is done or how conclusions are reached. It is common in formal, academic, or analytical writing to describe methodological approaches or the basis for arguments.

Usage and examples: The form typically appears in the main clause with the rest of the sentence describing results or observations. For example: Tutkimalla näitä tietoja voimme arvioida tilanteen. This means “By studying these data we can assess the situation.” It can also introduce rationale in a sentence like: Tutkimalla kysymyksen taustoja, tekijä pyrkii ymmärtämään ilmiön syitä. In both cases, the focus is on the method rather than a completed action.

Relation to related terms: Tutkimalla is related to other Finnish forms such as tutkimus (research), tutkimusprosessi (research process), and tutkija (researcher). The base verb tutkia forms other related words like tutkiminen (the act of researching) and tutkija (the researcher).

Notes: The gerund osoittaa manner rather than tense and is primarily used in written Finnish. It provides a concise way to attribute reasoning or evidence to a method of inquiry.