viivaimilla

Viivaimilla is the Finnish instrumental plural form of the noun viivain, meaning “with rulers” or “by means of rulers.” The word viivain refers to a drawing instrument used to draw straight lines and, in some contexts, to measure distances. The instrumental case marks the tool or means used to perform an action, and the plural form viivaimilla signals the use of more than one ruler.

In Finnish grammar, instrumental forms express how an action is carried out. Viivaimilla is thus typical in descriptions of drawing, drafting, geometry, and technical work where multiple rulers may be involved. The form can appear in instructional text, classroom language, or design documentation to specify the tools used.

Common usage examples include sentences describing activities in art, engineering, or education. For instance, one might say: Hän piirsi kolme suoraa viivaa viivaimilla, meaning “He drew three straight lines with rulers,” or Opettaja näytti, miten viivaimilla voidaan tarkistaa viivojen suoruus, meaning “The teacher showed how the straightedges can be used to check the straightness of lines.” Viivaimilla functions as an instrumental phrase that indicates the method or means of the action.

Notes and distinctions: viivaimilla is a grammatical form rather than a separate lexical item. Its exact form depends on number and context, in line with Finnish instrumental case rules. Related terms include viivain (singular ruler) and viivoitin (ruler/scale in some contexts).