varhaisemmaksi

Varhaisemmaksi is a translative form of the Finnish comparative adjective varhaisempi, meaning “earlier” or “more early.” It is used to express a change of state toward an earlier condition or time. In Finnish, the translative case marks a shift or transition, so varhaisemmaksi indicates that something has become earlier relative to a reference point.

Morphology and usage

Varhaisemmaksi is formed from the stem varhaisem- plus the translative suffix -ksi. It typically appears with verbs that describe a change of state, such as muuttua (to become), tulla (to become), siirtyä (to move/shift). Examples include: “Aikataulu muuttui varhaisemmaksi” (The schedule became earlier) and “Tunnit siirtyivät varhaisemmaksi” (The lessons moved to an earlier time). It can also modify events or plans that are adjusted to occur sooner than originally scheduled.

Nuances and limits

The form emphasizes a shift toward an earlier point in time or development, rather than simply describing something as earlier in general. It is more common in contexts involving planning, scheduling, or progression when a decision or arrangement leads to an earlier outcome. The corresponding adverb is varhaisemmin (earlier), while varhaisempi is the base comparative adjective in the nominative form.

See also

varhainen, varhaisempi, translatiivinen use Finnish grammar notes on the translative case and other forms of comparative adjectives.