Latin Language Flashcards
Infinitives
The base form of a verb, often translating to “to [verb]” (e.g., amare = “to love”).
When used:
- Complementary infinitive: After verbs like possum (I can), debeo (I ought).
- Indirect statements: Subject in accusative, verb in infinitive
Why:
- Express a general or ongoing action.
- Use for indirect speech, purpose, or to complete the meaning of certain verbs.
Ablative Absolutes
A noun and participle both in the ablative case, forming an independent clause describing an event.
When used:
- Temporal: To describe when something happens.
- Causal: To explain why something happens.
- Concessive: To show contrast.
Why use:
- Concisely express surrounding circumstances of an action without a full clause.
- Common in narratives for setting events.
Participles
Verbal adjectives that describe a noun, retaining tense and voice.
- Present participle: Ongoing action (e.g., amans, loving).
- Perfect passive participle: Completed action (vocatus, having been called).
- Modify nouns by describing their actions in a concise way. Also Useful for showing simultaneous or prior actions, condensing clauses.
Gerunds
A verbal noun.
- Describe the action of a verb in a noun-like form, often explaining the purpose or necessity of an action. (I must read the book.)
Gerundives
A verbal adjective.
Describing the noun in terms of necessity or suitability, implying that something should or must be done to or by the noun. (The book must be read by me.)
Supines
A verbal noun in only two cases: accusative and ablative, indicating purpose or result (e.g., dictum = “to say”).
- Indicate purpose with verbs of motion or provide abstract commentary on actions, especially in formal writing.
Relative Clauses
A clause introduced by a relative pronoun (qui, quae, quod).
To provide additional information about a noun without starting a new sentence.
Indirect Statements
Subject in accusative, verb in infinitive.
After verbs of saying, thinking, or perceiving. Express reported speech or thought indirectly, keeping the sentence structure continuous without direct quotes.
“Dixit puerum venire.” (He said that the boy was coming.)
Locative Case
Case expressing location, used primarily for cities, small islands, and certain words (e.g., Romae = “in Rome”).
Allows for succinct expression of location, especially useful in historical or travel contexts.
Principle Clause
Main clause expressing the primary idea, central to the sentence’s meaning. Stands alone as a complete thought, providing the main action without relying on other clauses.
Connective Clause
Clause linking ideas within a sentence, often as a subordinate clause (e.g., relative or adverb clause).
Typically introduced by conjunctions or relative pronouns (e.g., “and,” “but,” “so,” “which,” “who”). Smooths transitions between ideas or actions, creating flow within sentences.
Independent Clause
Clause that can stand alone as a complete sentence.
Contains a subject and verb, expressing a complete thought.
Dependent Clause
Clause that cannot stand alone, relying on an independent clause.
Starts with subordinating conjunctions (e.g., because, although) or relative pronouns (e.g., who, which).
Adds supporting information to an independent clause, offering context or explanation.
Conditional Clause
Adverbial clause expressing a condition.
Introduced by “if,” “unless,” or “provided that” to indicate a hypothetical or possible situation.
“If it rains, the game will be canceled.”
Purpose Clause
Clause stating the purpose or reason for an action.
Begins with “so that,” “in order that,” or similar expressions indicating purpose or intent.
Explains the intent behind an action, linking motivation to outcomes in a sentence.
“They whispered so that they wouldn’t be heard.”
