The "Along With" Converb: -makla beraber / birlikte
To express that two states or actions occur simultaneously, Turkish uses a formal converb structure translating to "along with doing..." or "besides doing...". It is frequently used to discuss the dual nature of something, like the pros and cons of modern technology.
To form it, attach the instrumental suffix -la or -le to a verb's infinitive (-mak or -mek), followed by either beraber or birlikte (both mean "together" and are interchangeable).
- -mak
- la
- beraber / birlikte -> -makla beraber
- la
- -mek
- le
- beraber / birlikte -> -mekle birlikte
- le
| Along with making our lives easier, technology distances us from each other. | Teknoloji hayatımızı kolaylaştırmakla birlikte bizi birbirimizden uzaklaştırıyor. |
| Along with providing a great convenience, the new software restricts our freedom. | Yeni yazılım büyük bir kolaylık sağlamakla beraber özgürlüğümüzü kısıtlıyor. |
Expressing Contrasting Effects
This structure is especially useful for contrasting outcomes. Often, the first half of the sentence introduces a positive feature or intended function, while the main verb reveals an unexpected drawback or negative side effect.
| Along with distancing us from reality, social media also harms our privacy. | Sosyal medya bizi gerçeklikten uzaklaştırmakla beraber mahremiyetimize de zarar veriyor. |
| Along with protecting us, security cameras also disturb us. | Güvenlik kameraları bizi korumakla beraber rahatsız da ediyor. |
| This device consumes the battery, along with working fast. | Bu cihaz, hızlı çalışmakla birlikte bataryayı tüketir. |
Using Adjectives with "olmak"
To use an adjective or noun in this structure instead of an action verb, pair it with the auxiliary verb olmak (to be). This creates olmakla beraber or olmakla birlikte (along with being).
| Social media wastes time, along with being useful. | Sosyal medya, faydalı olmakla beraber zaman kaybettirir. |