Question 1

How exactly does the phrase bildiğim kadarıyla break down to mean "as far as I know"?

Accepted Answer

It combines bildiğim (that which I know) with kadarıyla (by the extent of it). Bildiğim is formed with the verb bilmek (to know) + the -dik participle + -im (my). In kadarıyla, kadar means "amount" or "extent", -ı is a compound marker, and -(y)la is the instrumental suffix meaning "with" or "by". Literally, it means "by the extent of what I know."

Question 2

If I want to say "as far as he knows" or "as far as we know", what do I change?

Accepted Answer

You only need to change the possessive ending on the verb to match the new subject; the word kadarıyla stays exactly the same. "As far as he knows" becomes bildiği kadarıyla, and "as far as we know" becomes bildiğimiz kadarıyla.

Question 3

Is this -diği kadarıyla structure used with many other verbs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is highly productive, especially with verbs related to perception, thought, or communication. You will frequently hear gördüğüm kadarıyla (as far as I can see), anladığım kadarıyla (as far as I understand), and duyduğum kadarıyla (from what I have heard).

Question 4

Why is there an -n- in the word ofisinde?

Accepted Answer

Ofisinde means "in his office". It breaks down into ofis (office) + -i (his) + -de (in/at). As a reminder from earlier lessons, whenever you attach a spatial case ending (like locative -de or dative -e) right after a 3rd person possessive suffix (like -i, -ı, -si, or -sı), Turkish requires the buffer consonant -n- to link them.

Bildiğim kadarıyla, muhtar bugün ofisinde değil.

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