LatinLesson 2 of 2 in the course Latin nouns

Latin Syntax: Cases, Verb Forms, and Clause Constructions

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 3 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

Latin syntax explains how words and clauses work together. This lesson introduces Latin’s flexible word order, agreement in gender and number, and the basic functions of the cases.

Latin word order is relatively free because word endings often indicate a word’s grammatical role. A verb may appear at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence. An adjective can precede or follow its noun: vir bonus and bonus vir both mean “a good man.” A genitive can also stand before or after its noun: hostium castra and castra hostium both mean “the enemies’ camp.”

All flashcards

What is hyperbaton?
Hyperbaton separates words that belong together, often to emphasize one of them or create a stylistic effect.
How is an indirect statement commonly formed in Latin?
The reported subject is accusative, and the reported verb is an infinitive.
What is a deponent verb?
A verb with passive-looking forms but active meanings.
What does the Latin gerundive often express?
It is a verbal adjective, usually passive, that often expresses necessity.
How does the case after *in* affect its meaning?
*In* with the accusative commonly indicates motion into; with the ablative, location.

Quiz questions

  1. In a Latin indirect statement, what case commonly marks the reported subject?Answer: Accusative
  2. In Latin, what does *in* with the accusative commonly indicate, compared with *in* with the ablative?Answer: Motion into a place, rather than location in a place
  3. How is a personal agent commonly expressed in a Latin passive construction?Answer: With *ab* or *ā* and an ablative
  4. What does the potential subjunctive commonly express?Answer: An imagined action that may, might, could, or would occur
  5. Which Latin form commonly expresses purpose after a verb of motion?Answer: The accusative supine ending in *-um*

Based on the Wikipedia article Latin syntax, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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