Year 4C · Grade 8: Time and Space
Choose the ablative for when and within which time, and the accusative for how long.
What to notice
- time when
- time within which
- extent of time and space
Explanation
Latin uses case, not a pile of prepositions, for many time and distance phrases. Time when is ablative: prima hora, at the first hour. Time within which is also ablative: tribus diebus, within three days. Both answer a when question, so both use the ablative.
How long something goes on, and how far someone travels, use the accusative. Tres horas mansit means he stayed for three hours. Duo milia passuum ambulavit means he walked for two miles. If the English has for with a length of time or distance, start by looking for the accusative.
Examples
- Prima hora discessit. — He left at the first hour. Ablative of time when.
- Tribus diebus redibit. — He will return within three days. Ablative of time within which.
- Tres horas mansit. — He stayed for three hours. Accusative of duration.
- Duo milia passuum ambulavit. — He walked for two miles. Accusative of extent of space.
- Uno anno — within one year Ablative, because it is time within which.
Latin in this lesson
- Prima hora discessit. — time when
- Tribus diebus redibit. — time within which
- Tres horas mansit. — duration of time
- Duo milia passuum ambulavit. — extent of space
- quinque dies — for five days
- uno anno — within one year