Core Elements of a Latin sentence
We have worked with the different parts of speech quite a lot. We know that
verbs are always the action part of a sentence, but that nouns can be many
things in a sentence. We have also learned that word order is not as
important in Latin as it is in English.
We will not look at the Core Elements of basic Latin sentences in order to be
able to translate more fluidly.
Simple sentences
S
V
Cornelia sub arbore sedet.
S
LV C
Cornelia est defessa.
Subject—thing or person DOING the action. Use Nominative case.
Verb/Linking verb—Action
Compliment—the characteristic of the subject being linked to the subject by
est or sunt
More complex sentences
S
DO
V
Sextus Corneliam terret
S
DO
V
Sextus vocem audit
There is one new element of the sentences here:
Direct object: the thing the verb is being DONE TO. Use accusative case
Different types of verbs
You will notice that in the first example—Cornelia sub arbore sedet, there is no
direct object, but in the next example, Sextus Corenliam terret, there is an
accusative case noun, or direct object. Sedet and terret are different types of
verbs.
Transitive verbs—need direct objects (frightens, hears, sees)
Intransitive verbs—Cannot have direct objects. Usually need a
prepositional phrase, but can also stand alone. (falls, sleeps, walks, works)
So, list below here the six different elements of Latin sentences:
VERBS_ ____________
______________
________________
NOT VERBS____________
______________
_________________