Noun Rules

Question 1

First Noun Rule

Answer 1

Stems ending in α or η are in the first declension, stems ending in ο are in the second, and consonantal stems are in the third.

Question 2

Second Noun Rule

Answer 2

Every neuter word has the same form in the nominative and accusative.

Question 3

Third Noun Rule

Answer 3

Almost all neuter words end in α in the nominative and accusative plural.

• In the second declension, the α is the changed stem vowel; in the third it is the case ending.

Question 4

Fourth Noun Rule

Answer 4

In the dative singular, the ι subscripts if possible.

• Because an ι can subscript only under a long vowel, it subscripts only in the first and second declensions.

Question 5

Fifth Noun Rule

Answer 5

Vowels often change their length (“ablaut”).

• “Contraction” occurs when two vowels meet and form a different vowel or diphthong.

λογο + ι —> λόγῳ. λογο + ο —> λόγου. 

γραφη + ων -> γραφῶν *

    * the ω of the genitive plural will absorb any preceding vowel.

• “Compensatory lengthening” occurs when a vowel is lengthened to compensate for the loss of another letter.

λογο + νς —> λόγος —> λόγους.

Question 6

Sixth Noun Rule

Answer 6

In the genitive and dative, the masculine and neuter will always be identical.

Question 7

Seventh Noun Rule

Answer 7

The Square of Stops

• Labials + σ form ψ; velars plus σ form χ; dentals plus σ form σ.
• The ντ combination drops out when followed by σ (παντ + ς -> πᾶς).
• Whatever happens in the nominative singular third declension also happens in the dative plural. σαρκ + σ -> σάρξ. σαρκ + σι -> σαρξί.

Question 8

Eighth Noun Rule

Answer 8

A τ cannot stand at the end of a word and will drop off.

• When no case ending is used in stems ending in -ματ, the τ drops out.

ὀνοματ + — -> ὀνοματ -> ὄνομα.