Uses of the Subjunctive (GCSE)
The subjunctive form of verbs is used in the following types of sentences:
1) cum clauses
cum - when, since.
2) Indirect questions
These questions are reported, but still contain interrogative words.
I asked who had caught sight of the thief.
rogavi quis furem conspexisset.
3) Purpose clauses
These sentences express the purpose or end in view from the main verb.
ut = [in order] to. (Negative is ne.)
I wrote this letter [in order] to warn my friend.
hanc epistulam scripsi ut amicum monerem.
4) Indirect commands
These commands are reported, but still contain verbs of ordering, persuading, begging, urging and
advising. ut = to. (Negative is ne.)
The old man begged the goddess Sulis to cure his illness.
senex deam Sulem oravit ut morbum sanaret.
5) Result clauses
These sentences express the result of the action of the main verb. They normally contain words
such as ‘so great’, and ‘so many’. ut = [with the result] that. (Negative is ut non.)
The shouting was so loud that nobody heard the teacher.
tantus erat clamor ut nemo magistrum audiret.
6) Verbs of fearing
timeo + ne.
Note: ne = that, in case, lest (it is not a negative).
Used to express a fear that something MAY happen, IS happening or HAS happened.
Subjunctive verbs - revision
For the examples below, state which kind of (subjunctive) sentence you think each one is. Use the
following abbreviations in your answers:
CUM:
DQ:
DC:
RC:
cum sentences (+ subj)
Direct questions
Direct commands
Result clauses (+ subj)
PC:
IQ:
IC:
Purpose clauses (+ subj)
Indirect questions (+ subj)
Indirect commands (+ subj)
a) Why were the Romans helping Cogidubnus?
b) When the farmer had bought the horse, he returned home.
c) The host urged his cook to prepare an excellent dinner for the guests.
d) The lions were so fierce that the gladiators fled from the arena.
e) Be brave!
f)
Caecilius wanted to know how much the slave-girl was.
g) The legionaries entered Alexandria to keep the peace.
h) The old man begged the shopkeeper to give him some food.
i)
“Spare me!" said the barbarian.
j)
We are waiting at Ostia to board the ship.
k) Modestus asked Strythio where the girl was.
l)
Since nobody had summoned the doctor, the illness was worsening.
m) The Druids told the thief to return the money.
n) The thief returned the money to avoid punishment.