Can you spot the preposition in this sentence?<\/p>\n
Nautae circum \u012bnsulam n\u0101vigant = The sailors are sailing around the island<\/p>\n
The preposition here is circum. In this case, the word modified to circum is used in the accusative. That\u2019s because cicum is one of those prepositions that use the accusative.<\/p>\n
Now try spotting the prepostion in this sentence :<\/p>\n
Pr\u014d schol\u0101 ambul\u0101mus<\/strong> = We are walking in front of the school<\/p>\n The preposition is pr\u014d. In this instance, the word linked to the preposition pr\u014d is in the ablative. That\u2019s because pr\u014d is one of those prepositions that use the ablative.<\/p>\n Now try spotting the preposition in this sentence :<\/p>\n R\u0113x oppidum gladi\u014d servat<\/strong>. (serv\u0101re = to guard. oppidum = town. r\u0113x = king. gladius = sword)<\/p>\n In English this sentence would mean, \u201cThe king is guarding the town with a sword.\u201d When a sentence contains a means or an instrument of an action, no preposition is expressed in the sentence. In the sentence above, the instrument in which the king guards the town is the sword. However, \u201cwith\u201d is not specifically expressed in the sentence, and that\u2019s because prepostions where means or an instrument of an action are not deliberately expressed. Notice though, that even if the preposition \u201cwith\u201d is not expressed, the word \u201csword\u201d is still conjugated in the ablative.<\/p>\n Be careful because this does not apply to the preposition cum :<\/p>\n Magistr\u012bs cum tabul\u0101s portatis<\/strong> = You all are carrying writing tablets with the teachers<\/p>\n In the sentence above, \u201cwith\u201d is used in the sense of accompanying someone, not through an instrument of an action or through a means.<\/p>\n In English, the preposition of means or instrument can be expressed with \u201cby\u201d as well :<\/p>\n Nautae scaph\u0101 ad \u012bnsulam n\u0101vigant<\/strong> = The sailors are sailing to the island by boat<\/p>\n Translate the following sentences :<\/p>\n 1) R\u0113x gladi\u014d et sc\u016bt\u014d p\u012br\u0101tam pugnat<\/strong>. (sc\u016btum = shield)<\/p>\n 2) R\u0113g\u012bna ven\u0113n\u014d bellum pugnat<\/strong>. (r\u0113g\u012bna = queen. bellum = war. ven\u0113num = poison)<\/p>\n Answers :<\/p>\n 1) The king is fighting the pirate with a sword and shield<\/p>\n 2) The queen is fighting the war with poison<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Can you spot the preposition in this sentence? Nautae circum \u012bnsulam n\u0101vigant = The sailors are sailing around the island The preposition here is circum. In this case, the word modified to circum is used in the accusative. That\u2019s because cicum is one of those prepositions that use the accusative. Now try spotting the prepostion…<\/p>\n