maituturing na
May Be Considered
Maituturing na means "can be considered as" or "may be deemed." It is a formal way to categorize a subject while acknowledging that the classification is a matter of perspective or analysis.
How It Works
In formal Filipino, maituturing na serves as a 'hedging device.' Unlike the progressive aspect form itinuturing na (is being considered), which states a current ongoing classification, maituturing na is in the contemplated aspect. It suggests that a classification is valid, possible, or potential based on evidence.
1. Morphology and Structure
The verb is in the theme focus, meaning the thing being classified is the focused subject (Ang-phrase). Because the verb ends in a consonant ('g'), it always uses the standalone linker na.
Structure: [Subject] + ay + maituturing na + [Noun/Adjective]
2. Omission of the Agent
A core characteristic of this structure is the omission of the agent (the person doing the considering) to achieve objectivity and 'professional distance.' By leaving out the actor, the focus remains entirely on the subject being defined. If the agent must be specified, it is included using a nonfocused ng-phrase (e.g., maituturing ng mga eksperto na...).
3. Register and Usage
This is a high-level pattern primarily found in:
- Academic Writing: Defining concepts (e.g., 'Language can be considered...').
- Journalism: Describing events with professional distance.
- Legal/Formal Stance: Categorizing actions or evidence.
4. Nuance of Potentiality
While it literally means 'can be,' in many formal contexts, it is used as a polite way to state a firm opinion. It follows the conventions of academic humility, where one avoids making absolute, dogmatic claims.
Examples (4)
- Ang wika ay maituturing na kaluluwa ng isang bansa.
Language can be considered the soul of a nation.
Word by Word: The language is can-be-considered linker soul of a nation.
A classic academic definition using the 'ay' inversion for formal tone.
- Maituturing na isang malaking tagumpay ang proyektong ito.
This project may be deemed a great success.
Word by Word: Can-be-considered linker a big success the project this.
Here, the speaker is classifying the project's outcome with a professional, evaluative tone.
- Hindi maituturing na sapat ang tulong kung hindi ito makakarating sa mga nangangailangan.
The help cannot be considered sufficient if it does not reach those in need.
Word by Word: Not can-be-considered linker sufficient the help if not it will-reach to-the plural needing.
Using 'hindi' with the potential form creates a strong, formal argument about what does not qualify for a certain status.
- Siya ay maituturing na isa sa pinakamahusay na manunulat ng ating panahon.
He can be considered one of the best writers of our time.
Word by Word: He is can-be-considered linker one of most-good linker writer of our time.
Used here to provide a subjective but evidence-based classification of a person's status.
Common Mistakes
Omitting the mandatory linker 'na'.
Maituturing bayani ang sundalo.Maituturing na bayani ang sundalo.The linker 'na' is grammatically required to connect the verb 'maituturing' to the noun or adjective that follows it.
Using it in casual, everyday conversation.
Maituturing na masarap ang luto mo.Masarap ang luto mo.'Maituturing na' is very formal. Using it for simple compliments like 'Your cooking is delicious' sounds unnaturally stiff and academic.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand 'maituturing na', a learner needs to recognize it as a potential-focus verb form. This requires knowledge of the 'ma-' prefix for ability/potentiality, the use of CV reduplication for the contemplated aspect, and how the linker 'na' connects this predicate to the rest of the statement.
- ma-/na-Accidental Patient Focus
The word 'maituturing' is the contemplated aspect of the 'ma-' accidental/potential object-focus verb 'maituring' (to be able to consider something).
Level 3 - na / -ngThe Linker
The linker 'na' is required to connect the stance predicate 'maituturing' to the noun or clause being classified.
Foundations - Action Not Yet Begun
The prefix 'maituturing' uses CV reduplication to indicate the contemplated aspect, which in this context expresses potentiality or a cautious stance.
Level 2
Related Patterns
- bilangAs / in the Capacity of
Often used interchangeably with 'na' after 'maituturing' when referring to a specific role or capacity.
Level 5 - parangSeems / Like
The casual equivalent for hedging or expressing that something 'seems' like something else.
Level 3 - i- (pokus sa layon)Theme or Instrument Focus with I-
The underlying verb structure of 'maituturing' which places the object of consideration as the subject.
Level 2 - ayMarked Topic-Predicate Order
Commonly used with 'maituturing na' to maintain a formal, academic sentence structure.
Level 4 - masasabingIt Can Be Said That
A similar formal potential verb meaning 'it can be said that,' often used for the same hedging purpose.
Level 6
Words in This Pattern
Practice maituturing na in Bubblegum
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