Chapter 14
In this chapter we will have four point of grammar to cover. These are I-stem nouns of the third declension and three uses of the ablative case.
Let’s look at the I-stem nouns first. We learned endings for the third declension. We also learned how to form the third declension. All we learned was correct. However, there are a few exceptions in the third declension. There are some nouns in the third which will take an “i” in the ablative singular, accusative singular and/or genitive plural. Because they do, they are referred to as “I-stem” nouns in the third. There is no pattern to them. When you come across one, you must simple memorize it. The saving feature to exception in the third declension is that there are not too many of them.
Now to the important aspect of this chapter, the use of the ablative case. Up to now the ablative case was used primarily with a preposition to form a prepositional phrase. This use of the ablative case was fairly easy to understand and didn’t cause too much difficulty. We simply had to memorize some prepositions, some nouns and put them together properly.
At times, the Romans would use the ablative case WITHOUT a preposition. One of these uses was referred to as an “ablative or means or an ablative of instrument”. The reason it was so named was because it explained how a particular deed was done. As an example : I shot my goldfish with my bow and arrow. Instead, of using a preposition followed by nouns, forming a prepositional phrase, the Romans would NOT use the preposition, but would put the object of the prepositional phrase in the ablative case. This would be called an ablative of means. When it would be translated into English, we would use the preposition “with or by” as if it were actually there to explain how a deed was done. Let’s look at page 91 of Wheelock’s book for some more examples.
Our second use of the ablative is referred to as “an ablative of accompaniment”. Normally, the object is alive or animated, and the preposition is either by or with. In this case the prepositions “cum - with, or a/ab by” are used. This use of the ablative normally does not cause any difficulty, because it looks just like any other prepositional phrase.
Last, if a characteristic or virtue of a person is used in a prepositional phrase, such as, courage, virtue, goodness, then the preposition “cum” would proceed the preposional phrase in Latin. This combination is referred to as “an ablative of manner”
So let me sum up:
If the object is a person or animal (something alive) then we use a
preposition. It’s called “an ablative of accompaniment”.
If the object is a virtue or characteristic or a human being, then the preposition
is used. This is called “an ablative of manner”.
If the object of the preposition is not alive, and explains “how”
something was done, the preposition will be omitted. This is called “an
ablative of means”.
Now whether or not the Romans actually called these uses of the ablative what we do today, is immaterial. The names are contrived to help us understand when to use a preposition and when we should not use one. My rule of thumb is this. If the object is alive or if the object is a characteristic of a person, use a preposition. If it’s inanimate and is used to explain how something was done, do not use a preposition. This simple rule works most of the time.
Now back to our workbook.