változtathatnak

Változtathatnak is a finite verb form in Hungarian. It represents the third-person plural present potential mood of the verb változtatni, meaning "to change." The form expresses possibility or ability, as in "they can change" or "they may change." It is used with plural subjects; for a singular subject the corresponding form would be változtathat.

Morphology and formation: the form is built from the stem változtat-, then the potential suffix hat (indicating ability/possibility), and finally the 3rd-person plural ending nak/nek, chosen according to vowel harmony. With back vowels, the ending is typically -nak, producing változtathatnak. This contrasts with the singular present potential form, változtathat, which would be used with a singular subject.

Usage notes:változtathatnak is used when discussing what a plural subject could change in a given situation. It often appears in planning, policy, or hypothetical contexts. Examples include: "Ők változtathatnak a terveiken." (They can change their plans.) "A bizottság úgy véli, hogy a javaslat néha módosítható, és változtathatnak a rendeleten." In such sentences, the form conveys possibility rather than a definite action.

Related forms and distinctions: the singular counterpart is változtathat (they can change, with a singular subject). The simple present indicative form, változtatnak, means "they change" or "they are changing," without the modal nuance of possibility. Változtathatnak is therefore distinct in mood and nuance from the non-modal forms of the verb.

In summary, változtathatnak is the Hungarian third-person plural present potential form of to change, used to indicate that a group can or may change something, and it is a standard tool for expressing possibility in formal and everyday language.