4. Prepositions

Question 1

Define preposition

Answer 1

A preposition is a word (or phrase) in front of a noun (or pronoun) to indicate how it fits into the rest of the sentence.

God sent the messenger into the village

Question 2

How does a preposition affect the noun that follows it?

Answer 2

The preposition governs the case of the noun that follows it.

Question 3

What happens to many prepositions that are followed by a word that begins with a vowel?

Answer 3

Elision

They drop their final vowel (εκ εξ)

Question 4

Define instrument

Answer 4

An inanimate object by means of which the action of the verb happens.

Question 5

Define agent

Answer 5

A living being by means of which the action of the verb happens.

Question 6

How is an instrument normally expressed?

Answer 6

By the instrument just occurring in the dative, without a preposition.

• God makes the heavens with a word*
• … *τους ουρανους λογώ

Question 7

How is an agent expressed?

Answer 7

The agent is expressed by the preposition ύπο + gen.

• The gospel was proclaimed by Peter*
• …* ύπο του Πετρου

Question 8

Define compound verb

Answer 8

A combination of a basic word with a preposition.

εκ + βαλλω

Question 9

How do you ask a question in Greek?

Answer 9

1. Use a question word (eg πος or που)
2. Rely on tone of voice (shown with a ; )

Question 10

How is a verb in the indicative made negative?

Answer 10

Adding ού

Question 11

When does ου become ουκ or ουχ ?

Answer 11

Before a vowel with smooth breathing: ουκ

Before a vowel with rough breathing: ουχ