The article examines the l-periphrasis in pre-standardized Balkan Slavic written documents from mid-17th to the early 19th century. The development of the l-periphrasis is discussed as well as the l-periphrasis in the Damaskini, with third-person auxiliary, without third-person auxiliary, and emerging regularities. Also discussed are the relationship between genre development and l-periphrasis and the Balkan manner of narration.