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'.

ZN
Answered by Zarifah N. Latin tutor

1891 Views

See similar Latin GCSE tutors

Related Latin GCSE answers

All answers ▸

'How many different meanings can 'ut' have?'


Translate this sentence and identify the grammatical construction being used in the second clause: mox Aeneas e castris Troianorum discedere constituit ut auxilium ab Evandro peteret


How would I identify and translate a purpose clause?


Caesaris uxor maritum suum multis cum precibus oravit ne in senatum eo die iniret. ille, tamen, cum timeret ne ignavus haberetur, consilium eius neglegere constituit. domo igitur egressus, Curiam intravit ubi a senatorum multitudine statim circumventus es


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