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As mentioned, the subjunctive mood is used more frequently in Latin than in English. Moreover, the translation of a subjunctive verb will vary greatly, especially the helping verbs used, depending on its context and function.
As mentioned, the subjunctive mood is used more frequently in Latin than in English. Moreover, the translation of a subjunctive verb will vary greatly, especially the helping verbs used, depending on its context and function.
The Latin subjunctive can be divided into TWO broad categories:
The Latin subjunctive can be divided into TWO broad categories:
INDEPENDENT and DEPENDENT
INDEPENDENT and DEPENDENT
The Independent uses most closely align with the English use of the subjunctive. The Dependent uses are more varied and require close attention to other aspects of the sentence.
The Independent uses most closely align with the English use of the subjunctive. The Dependent uses are more varied and require close attention to other aspects of the sentence.
Independent Uses
Independent Uses
Jussive and Hortatory Subjunctive
Jussive and Hortatory Subjunctive
Definition: an independent use of the subjunctive that functions as a polite command.
Definition: an independent use of the subjunctive that functions as a polite command.
English Example: Let them eat cake.
English Example: Let them eat cake.
Recognize: The main verb of the sentence is in the subjunctive. Jussives only occur with the present tense of the subjunctive. They also never occur in the second person singular or plural
Recognize: The main verb of the sentence is in the subjunctive. Jussives only occur with the present tense of the subjunctive. They also never occur in the second person singular or plural
To make a negative jussive, add “nē”.
To make a negative jussive, add “nē”.
Translation:
Positive: Let the subject verb.
Negative: Let the subject not verb. Do not let the subject verb
Translation:
Positive: Let the subject verb.
Negative: Let the subject not verb. Do not let the subject verb
Example: Positive: omnēs discipulī Latinam studeant = let all students study Latin
Example: Positive: omnēs discipulī Latinam studeant = let all students study Latin
Negative: Nē ā hostibus capiamur = Do not let us be captured by the enemy
Negative: Nē ā hostibus capiamur = Do not let us be captured by the enemy
Optatitive Subjunctive
Optatitive Subjunctive
Definition: Used to express a future wish capable of fulfillment introduced by ut or utinam. Or a Contrary-to-Fact wish that uses the imperfect & pluperfect tense
Definition: Used to express a future wish capable of fulfillment introduced by ut or utinam. Or a Contrary-to-Fact wish that uses the imperfect & pluperfect tense
English Example: May we be friends forever! Would that he had listened!
English Example: May we be friends forever! Would that he had listened!
Recognize: The main verb of the sentence is in the subjunctive. The sentence often ends in an exclamation mark. The wish is introduced with utinam or ut.
Recognize: The main verb of the sentence is in the subjunctive. The sentence often ends in an exclamation mark. The wish is introduced with utinam or ut.
To make a negative wish, add “nē”.
To make a negative wish, add “nē”.
Translation:
Translation:
Present: May we be friends! (Utinam simus amici!)
Present: May we be friends! (Utinam simus amici!)
Imperfect: Would that we were friends! (Ut essemus amici!)
Imperfect: Would that we were friends! (Ut essemus amici!)
Pluperfect: Would that we had not been friends! (Ne fuissemus amici!)
Pluperfect: Would that we had not been friends! (Ne fuissemus amici!)
Deliberative Subjunctive
Deliberative Subjunctive
Definition: an independent use of the subjunctive that deliberate about something, often in the form of a rhetorical question.
Definition: an independent use of the subjunctive that deliberate about something, often in the form of a rhetorical question.
English Example: What am I to do? What was I to do?
English Example: What am I to do? What was I to do?
Recognize: The main verb of the sentence is in the subjunctive. The sentence often ends in a question mark. The verb can only be in the present and imperfect tenses.
Recognize: The main verb of the sentence is in the subjunctive. The sentence often ends in a question mark. The verb can only be in the present and imperfect tenses.
To make a negative deliberative, add “non”.
To make a negative deliberative, add “non”.
Translation:
Translation:
Present: What are we to say? (Quid dicamus?)
Present: What are we to say? (Quid dicamus?)
Imperfect: What were we not to say? (Quid non diceremus?)
Imperfect: What were we not to say? (Quid non diceremus?)
Potential Subjunctive
Potential Subjunctive
Definition: an independent use of the subjunctive that is used to express doubt or an action that might not occur
Definition: an independent use of the subjunctive that is used to express doubt or an action that might not occur
English Example:You might believe these things. You would have thought it so.
English Example:You might believe these things. You would have thought it so.
Recognize: The main verb of the sentence is in the subjunctive. At times, this subjunctive is paired with fortasse (perhaps). You must rely on context clues for the best translation.
Recognize: The main verb of the sentence is in the subjunctive. At times, this subjunctive is paired with fortasse (perhaps). You must rely on context clues for the best translation.
To make a negative potential, add “non”.
To make a negative potential, add “non”.
Translation:
Translation:
Present: I should think so (Tam cogitem) you may think that (illud cogites)
Present: I should think so (Tam cogitem) you may think that (illud cogites)
Imperfect: You might not think that (illud non cogitarem)
Imperfect: You might not think that (illud non cogitarem)
Perfect: You would have thought so (Tam cogitaveris)
Perfect: You would have thought so (Tam cogitaveris)
Dependent Uses
Dependent Uses
The SUBJUNCTIVE is common in a number of DEPENDENT clauses in Latin.
The SUBJUNCTIVE is common in a number of DEPENDENT clauses in Latin.
The verb will translate differently depending on the TYPE of clause.
The verb will translate differently depending on the TYPE of clause.
You can recognize the type of clause by the introductory words, the meaning of the main verb, and other features.
You can recognize the type of clause by the introductory words, the meaning of the main verb, and other features.
Cum Clauses
Cum Clauses
Definition: a dependent/subordinate clause that describes the circumstances for the main clause occurring or the cause for the action of the main clause.
Definition: a dependent/subordinate clause that describes the circumstances for the main clause occurring or the cause for the action of the main clause.
English Examples:
English Examples:
When it is cold outside, I wear fuzzy mittens (circumstantial) Because it is cold outside, I wore fuzzy mittens (causal)Although it is cold outside, I took my dog on a walk (concessive)
When it is cold outside, I wear fuzzy mittens (circumstantial) Because it is cold outside, I wore fuzzy mittens (causal)Although it is cold outside, I took my dog on a walk (concessive)
Recognize: cum + subjunctive. Usually comma-ed off from the rest of the sentence.
Recognize: cum + subjunctive. Usually comma-ed off from the rest of the sentence.
Translation: When = circumstantial Since/because = causal Although = concessive
Translate the subjunctive verb as an indicative
Translation: When = circumstantial Since/because = causal Although = concessive
Translate the subjunctive verb as an indicative
Latin Examples:
Latin Examples:
Cum militēs hostēs pugnāret, civēs ex urbe fugerunt =
since soldiers were fighting the enemy, the citizens fled from the city
Cum militēs hostēs pugnāret, civēs ex urbe fugerunt =
since soldiers were fighting the enemy, the citizens fled from the city
Cum dux victoriam militium exponat, cives gaudent =
when the leader explains of his soldiers' victory, the citizens rejoice.
Cum dux victoriam militium exponat, cives gaudent =
when the leader explains of his soldiers' victory, the citizens rejoice.
Indirect Questions
Indirect Questions
Definition: a subordinate clause which reports some question indirectly.
Definition: a subordinate clause which reports some question indirectly.
English Example: They asked what Gaius was doing
English Example: They asked what Gaius was doing
Recognize: Main clause has a head verb (speech, sense perception, or mental activity) + interrogative word + subjunctive
Recognize: Main clause has a head verb (speech, sense perception, or mental activity) + interrogative word + subjunctive
Translation: Translate the subjunctive as an indicative
Translation: Translate the subjunctive as an indicative
Example:
Rogant quid Gaius faciat = They ask what Gaius is doing.
Example:
Rogant quid Gaius faciat = They ask what Gaius is doing.
Question words:
Quis = who Quid = what
Qui/quae/quod = which
Quantum = how much
Quando = when Cur = Why
Quomodo=how Quam= how
Ubi = where Quo=where
Unde = from where Si = if
Utrum…an = whether…or
Question words:
Quis = who Quid = what
Qui/quae/quod = which
Quantum = how much
Quando = when Cur = Why
Quomodo=how Quam= how
Ubi = where Quo=where
Unde = from where Si = if
Utrum…an = whether…or
Indirect Commands
Indirect Commands
Definition: a dependent/subordinate clause that reports indirectly what someone has ordered, commanded, urged, persuaded, begged, etc.
Definition: a dependent/subordinate clause that reports indirectly what someone has ordered, commanded, urged, persuaded, begged, etc.
English Example: He order you to study for the test
English Example: He order you to study for the test
Recognize: Command verb + ut/nē + subjunctive verb.
Recognize: Command verb + ut/nē + subjunctive verb.
Translation: Verb + person being ordered + to (or not to) verb
Verb + that the subject (not) verb
Translation: Verb + person being ordered + to (or not to) verb
Verb + that the subject (not) verb
Example:
Tē hortor ut cum curā studeās = I urge you to study with care.
Hortor ne cum curā studeās=I urge that you not study with care
Example:
Tē hortor ut cum curā studeās = I urge you to study with care.
Hortor ne cum curā studeās=I urge that you not study with care
Common Command Verbs:
Hortor = I encourage
Imperō = I order (dat)
Moneō = I advise
Orō = I beg Rogō = I ask
Persaudeō = I persuade (dat)
Petō = I beg (ab + abl)
Quaerō = I request (ab + abl)
Common Command Verbs:
Hortor = I encourage
Imperō = I order (dat)
Moneō = I advise
Orō = I beg Rogō = I ask
Persaudeō = I persuade (dat)
Petō = I beg (ab + abl)
Quaerō = I request (ab + abl)
Result Clauses
Result Clauses
Definition: A dependent clause explaining the result of an action in the main clause, answering “what is the outcome”
Definition: A dependent clause explaining the result of an action in the main clause, answering “what is the outcome”
English Example:
It is snowing so hard that the schools have been closed.
English Example:
It is snowing so hard that the schools have been closed.
Recognize:
Introduced by ut or ut + non/nemo/numquam if negative
Main clause usually contains a degree word; i
Recognize:
Introduced by ut or ut + non/nemo/numquam if negative
Main clause usually contains a degree word; i
Translation: ut = "that", subjunctive is translated as a normal indicative
Translation: ut = "that", subjunctive is translated as a normal indicative
Common Degree Words
tam (so) tot (so many)
tantus (so great)
sic (in this way) ita (thus)
adeo (to such an extent)
Common Degree Words
tam (so) tot (so many)
tantus (so great)
sic (in this way) ita (thus)
adeo (to such an extent)
Examples
Examples
Tam multum studet ut Latinam discat = he studies so much that he learns Latin
Tam multum studet ut Latinam discat = he studies so much that he learns Latin
Tam multum studēbat ut Latinam disceret = he was studying so much that he learned Latin
Tam multum studēbat ut Latinam disceret = he was studying so much that he learned Latin
Purpose Clauses
Purpose Clauses
Definition: a subordinate clause explaining the purpose of the action in the main clause, i.e., answering the question “why”?
Definition: a subordinate clause explaining the purpose of the action in the main clause, i.e., answering the question “why”?
English Example: we study Latin so that we may learn more about ancient Rome.
English Example: we study Latin so that we may learn more about ancient Rome.
Recognition: introduced by ut/nē with a subjunctive verb
Recognition: introduced by ut/nē with a subjunctive verb
Translation:
Main clause so that the subject may/might (not) verb
Translation:
Main clause so that the subject may/might (not) verb
Examples:
Hic dicit ut eōs iuvet = he says this so that he may help them
Alternative translations: he says this in order to help them; he says this to help them
Examples:
Hic dicit ut eōs iuvet = he says this so that he may help them
Alternative translations: he says this in order to help them; he says this to help them
Hic dixit ut eōs iuvāret = he said this so that he might help them
Hic dixit ut eōs iuvāret = he said this so that he might help them
Proviso Clauses
Proviso Clauses
Definition: a subordinate clause describing an action on which the action in the main clause is contingent.
Definition: a subordinate clause describing an action on which the action in the main clause is contingent.
English Example: Provided that you enjoy Latin, you won’t mind studying.
English Example: Provided that you enjoy Latin, you won’t mind studying.
Recognition: introduced by dummodo
Recognition: introduced by dummodo
Translation:
Main clause “provided that” or “so long as” and then translate the verb as an indicative.
Translation:
Main clause “provided that” or “so long as” and then translate the verb as an indicative.
Examples:
Bene ages, dummodo studeas = you will do well, provided that you study
Semper eris felix, dummodo Latinam amēs = you will always be happy, so long as you love Latin
Examples:
Bene ages, dummodo studeas = you will do well, provided that you study
Semper eris felix, dummodo Latinam amēs = you will always be happy, so long as you love Latin
Relative Clause of Characteristic
Relative Clause of Characteristic
Definition: a subordinate relative clause that describes a general quality (not specific) of its antecedent, which is also usually general or indefinite.
Definition: a subordinate relative clause that describes a general quality (not specific) of its antecedent, which is also usually general or indefinite.
English Example: She was the sort of person who would do this.
English Example: She was the sort of person who would do this.
Recognition: introduced by relative pronoun followed with a subjunctive verb
Recognition: introduced by relative pronoun followed with a subjunctive verb
Translation:
“would” is sometimes used as an auxiliary verb to the subjunctive, but is not necessary.
“the sort of/kind of” is often supplied to make clear the antecedent is indefinite.
Translation:
“would” is sometimes used as an auxiliary verb to the subjunctive, but is not necessary.
“the sort of/kind of” is often supplied to make clear the antecedent is indefinite.
Examples:
Cornelia est discipula quae Latinam amet
Cornelia is a student who would love Latin or
Cornelia is the kind of student who loves Latin
Examples:
Cornelia est discipula quae Latinam amet
Cornelia is a student who would love Latin or
Cornelia is the kind of student who loves Latin
Fear Clauses
Fear Clauses
Definition: a subordinate clause that describes an action that someone in the main clause fears.
Definition: a subordinate clause that describes an action that someone in the main clause fears.
English Example: I fear that they may not believe this
English Example: I fear that they may not believe this
Recognition:
Main clause has a verb of fearing (timeō, metuō, vereor)
Fear clause begins with nē if positive and ut if negative.
Recognition:
Main clause has a verb of fearing (timeō, metuō, vereor)
Fear clause begins with nē if positive and ut if negative.
Translation: Translate nē as “that” and ut as “that…not” and supply “may/will” for the present subjunctive; “might/would” for imperfect; “has/may have” for perfect; “had/might have” for pluperfect
Translation: Translate nē as “that” and ut as “that…not” and supply “may/will” for the present subjunctive; “might/would” for imperfect; “has/may have” for perfect; “had/might have” for pluperfect
Examples:
Timeō ut Latinam amēs = I fear that you may/will not love Latin
Examples:
Timeō ut Latinam amēs = I fear that you may/will not love Latin
Timuērunt nē Hannibal Roman inīret = they were afraid that Hannibal might/would enter Rome
Timuērunt nē Hannibal Roman inīret = they were afraid that Hannibal might/would enter Rome
Metuit ut discipulī studissent = he feared that the student might not have studied
Metuit ut discipulī studissent = he feared that the student might not have studied
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