How do I translate the purpose clause from Latin into English?

In latin, a purpose clause is formed by using the word 'ut' followed by a subjunctive. A purpose clause indicates the reason behind an action taking place. Therefore, the 'ut' is translated as 'in order to...' followed by the action indicated by the subjunctive. For example, in the sentence 'pueri in via manere volebant ut puellas spectarent' there is an 'ut' followed by the subjunctive 'spectarent'. You would translate this sentence as, 'the boys wanted to stay in the street in order to watch the girls'. Sometimes, in place of 'ut' the word 'ne' is used to indicate a negative purpose clause. In this case the same rules apply, and the 'ne' is translated as 'so that...not'. For example 'in taberna manebam ne verba imperatoris audirem' is translated as 'I remained in the shop so that I would not hear the words of the emperor'.

Answered by Zarifah N. Latin tutor

1818 Views

See similar Latin GCSE tutors

Related Latin GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How does Pliny make the ghost scene a dramatic and shocking climax to the story?


How do you translate fear clauses from latin into english?


What is a chiasmus and what is its purpose?


Translate: Nisus erat miles fortis. Amicum habebat, Euryalum nomine, quem maxime amabat. Postquam Graeci urbem Troiam ceperunt, Nisus Euryalusque ad Italiam cum paucis aliis Troianis fugerunt. Ibi invenerunt multos hostes, qui Troianos delere volebant.


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