In examples like this the abessive of this infinitive (often with the verb olla) serves as a negative form of the other infinitives. Tahtoisin tulla, I should like to come; but Tahtoisin olla tulematta, I should like not to come (to be without coming). Hän läksi minun nähteni, he went out while I was looking. Hän läksi minun näkemättäni, he went out without my seeing.
This infinitive is also used in a passive sense, though not in a passive form. Työ on vielä tekemättä, the work is not yet done (lit. is without doing). In this sense it serves as a negative of the past passive participle.
This case of the infinitive III is very common in the Kalevala. E.g. iv. 217, Parempi minun olisi, Parempi olisi ollut Syntymättä, kasvamatta, Suureksi sukeumatta, which is equivalent to, better had it been for me not to have been born, xliii. 417, Vihoin päivän paistamatta, Vihoin kuun kumottamatta, etc.
Infinitive IV.
The fourth infinitive, like the third, is used as a simple substantive. Se on parhain keino sen oppimiseen, that is the best means for the study of it. Viipymisesi on sinua paljo vahingoitanut, your delay has greatly injured you.
There is also a use of this infinitive analogous to that of infinitive I mentioned above, p. [188]. In order to express a continued action the verb is repeated in the partitive of infinitive IV with the pronominal suffix. Vähetä vähenemistään, to grow less and less. Äiti kiivastui kiivastumistaan tyttärensä itsepintaisuudesta, the mother grew more and more furious at her daughter’s obstinacy. Päivä alenee alenemistaan, the sun sinks lower and lower.
The fourth infinitive is used verbally in two cases:—
(1) In the nominative, as the subject to the verb olla in affirmative sentences. It then denotes the necessity or propriety of performing an action, the subject of which is put in the genitive. Minun on tämä kirja lukeminen, I ought to read this book, or literally, this book is a reading for me. Meidän on tottuminen siihen, we must get used to it. Tehty kauppa kiittäminen, tekemätön tietäminen, one should praise a bargain which is made, but enquire into one which is not yet made (prov.). Copious examples can be found in Kal. xxiii. 61, Tapa on uusi ottaminen, Entinen unohtaminen, etc.
(2) The partitive is, agreeably to general rules, used in a similar sense in negative sentences, or interrogative sentences implying a negative. Ei ole minun tätä kirjaa lukemista, I need not read this book. Ei koiraa karvoihin katsomista, one must not judge a dog by his coat. Ei pojan isäänsä opettamista, a son should not teach his father.