How do you construct indirect commands for prose composition?

An indirect command is a sentence such as "I ask/advice/command/persuade (etc) you to come'. In these instances, the infinitive in English becomes 'ut + subjunctive' in the Latin (or 'ne + subjunctive' if the infinitive is negative i.e. I ask you not to come). If the verb in the principal clause is in the present, future, future perfect or perfect (e.g. I have asked) tense then the sentence is in primary sequence and the verb in the subordinate clause will go into the present subjunctive. If the verb is in the imperfect, past (e.g. I asked) or pluperfect tense then the sentence is in the historic sequence and the verb in the subordinate clause will take the imperfect subjunctive.
Further help could be given on how to form the subjunctive if that was also a problem for the student.

JS
Answered by Jessie S. Latin tutor

1876 Views

See similar Latin A Level tutors

Related Latin A Level answers

All answers ▸

How successfully does Catullus portray the pathos of Ariadne? (25)


Translate this sentence into English: 'By sailing quickly, Marcus reached the city in five days.'


What stylistic features should you be looking out for when analysing Latin poetry?


How do you use the gerund in Latin?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences