Ancient Languages - Latin - Introduction
This section is a working grammar of classical Latin, the language of Rome from roughly the late Republic to the early Empire. It is written by a returning student, and it grows as I study: pages are added and refined progressively, from the simplest forms to the most complex constructions.
How the section is organized
The grammar follows the traditional architecture, ordered from simple to complex:
- Foundations: the alphabet, pronunciation, vowel quantity and accent, and the principle of inflection.
- Morphology: the forms of words (nouns, adjectives, pronouns, numerals, verbs and invariable words).
- Syntax: the uses of those forms (cases, tenses and moods, subordinate clauses, indirect speech and the period).
Each page follows the same pattern: rule, notes and exceptions, authentic examples with translation, common pitfalls and a short self-test. Complete paradigm tables and reference material are kept apart, in Resources.
Working tree
This is the plan of the section. Pages marked [x] are complete. The priority figure (1 to 6) indicates the phase in which each page is written.
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Latin
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Introduction
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Foundations
- Alphabet and pronunciation
- Vowel quantity, syllables, accent
- Parts of speech and inflection
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Morphology
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Nouns (case, number, gender)
- First and second declensions
- Third declension
- Fourth and fifth declensions, irregular and defective nouns
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Adjectives and adverbs (declension of adjectives)
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Pronouns
- Personal, reflexive, possessive
- Demonstrative, relative, interrogative, indefinite
- Numerals
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Verbs (principal parts, four conjugations)
- Indicative active
- Indicative passive
- Subjunctive
- Infinitives, participles, gerund, gerundive, supine
- Deponent and semi-deponent verbs
- Irregular verbs
- Invariable words (prepositions, conjunctions, particles)
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Syntax
- The simple sentence (agreement, word order)
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Uses of the cases (overview)
- Nominative and vocative
- Accusative
- Genitive
- Dative
- Ablative and locative
- Tense, mood and voice in main clauses
- Infinitive and participle constructions
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Subordinate clauses (overview)
- Purpose and result
- Cum and temporal clauses
- Conditionals
- Indirect questions and relative clauses
- Indirect speech
- The period and style
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Resources
- Bibliography
- Glossary of grammatical terms
- Paradigms: nouns
- Paradigms: adjectives and pronouns
- Paradigms: regular verbs
- Paradigms: irregular verbs
Notes
The Examples are drawn from authentic classical authors wherever possible and macrons could be used to mark long vowels.
Medieval and ecclesiastical Latin are outside the present scope.
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