-mek suretiyle
By Means of
-mek suretiyle is a high-register adverbial construction used to describe the specific method or mechanism used to achieve a result. It is the formal equivalent of -erek/-arak.
How It Works
The construction -mek suretiyle is derived from the word suret (form/manner) combined with the instrumental suffix -le. While it functions similarly to the common gerund -erek, it carries a much heavier, more official tone.
Key Characteristics:
- Register: It is strictly formal. You will encounter it in laws, contracts, and scientific reports, but rarely in daily conversation.
- Specificity: It defines the exact 'how' of a legal or technical process.
- Structure: It always follows the full infinitive (Verb + -mek/-mak). Unlike other suffixes, the word suretiyle does not change; only the infinitive obeys vowel harmony.
In modern bureaucracy, this pattern is often used to describe how a crime was committed or how a regulation is to be implemented.
Examples (4)
- Sözleşme, taraflarca imza edilmek suretiyle yürürlüğe girer.
The contract enters into force by means of being signed by the parties.
Word by Word: Contract, by-parties signature to-be-done by-means-of into-force enters.
This is a classic legal sentence where the method of activation (signing) is expressed formally.
- Şüpheli, sahte belge düzenlemek suretiyle kurumu dolandırdı.
The suspect defrauded the institution by means of preparing forged documents.
Word by Word: Suspect, fake document to-arrange by-means-of institution defrauded.
In a legal context, this specifies the exact method used to commit the fraud.
- Veriler, anket yapılmak suretiyle toplanmıştır.
The data were collected by means of conducting a survey.
Word by Word: Data, survey to-be-done by-means-of were-collected.
This demonstrates the use of the pattern in an academic or research reporting context.
- Ödeme, kredi kartı kullanılmak suretiyle gerçekleştirilebilir.
Payment can be carried out by means of using a credit card.
Word by Word: Payment, credit card to-be-used by-means-of can-be-realized.
Commonly found in formal terms and conditions or official instructions.
Common Mistakes
Using the pattern in casual, daily conversation.
Ekmek almak suretiyle eve geldim.Ekmek alıp eve geldim.Using -mek suretiyle for mundane tasks like buying bread sounds unnaturally stiff and robotic. Use -ip or -erek instead.
Attempting to decline the infinitive before 'suretiyle'.
Yapmağı suretiyle...Yapmak suretiyle...The infinitive must remain in its base -mek/-mak form. Do not apply case endings or possessive suffixes to the verb stem here.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand '-mek suretiyle', you first need to be familiar with the infinitive verb form (-mek/-mak). It is also helpful to understand how the instrumental suffix '-le' (meaning 'with' or 'by') functions, as 'suretiyle' literally translates to 'by way of'. This pattern is a formal alternative to the more common '-erek' or '-mekle' constructions used to describe the method or means by which an action is performed.
Related Patterns
- -erek/-arakBy Doing or While Doing
The informal and neutral equivalent for expressing 'by doing'.
Level 3 - -mek şartıyla / -mek kaydıylaProvided That
Similar formal structures that express a condition ('on the condition that') rather than a method.
Level 6 - -maksızınWithout (Formal)
The formal negative counterpart, meaning 'without doing'.
Level 6 - -maktadır (haber dili)-makta in News and Academic Writing
Another high-register verbal construction common in the same formal/academic contexts.
Level 6 - ile / -(y)leWith (Instrumental)
The instrumental suffix which forms the basis of the word 'suretiyle'.
Level 2
Words in This Pattern
Practice -mek suretiyle in Bubblegum
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