In English, we modify abstract nouns like fact, possibility, or idea using "that" clauses (e.g., "the fact that the market is unpredictable"). Turkish links these using participle clauses.
To modify an abstract noun like gerçek (fact), ihtimal (possibility), iddia (claim), or düşünce (thought), follow this pattern:
- Add the -dık (present/past) or -acak (future) participle suffix to the descriptive verb.
- Add a possessive suffix to the participle indicating who or what performs the action.
- Follow with the abstract noun and its 3rd-person possessive suffix (-(s)i / -(s)ı).
- sabit olduğu düşüncesi (the idea that it is stable)
- başlayacağı ihtimali (the possibility that it will start)
Present and Past Facts (-dık)
Use the -dık / -dik participle for facts, claims, or ideas about the present and past. Because these clauses often describe states of being, you will frequently see olmak (to be) conjugated as olduğu.
Future Possibilities (-acak)
Use the -acak / -ecek participle for expectations, possibilities, or thoughts about the future.
The possessive suffix on the participle changes to match the subject of the clause. In the next example, because the sentence is about what you will buy, the participle takes the 2nd-person suffix (alacağın).
Adding Case Endings
The entire phrase (like olduğu gerçeği) acts as a single noun. If the main verb requires a specific case, add it to the end. Since the abstract noun already ends with a 3rd-person possessive suffix, use the buffer letter -n- before adding an accusative, dative, locative, or ablative ending.
- gerçeği (the fact) -> gerçeğini (accusative, for verbs like "to change" or "to accept")
- gerçeği (the fact) -> gerçeğinden (ablative, for verbs like "to hate")