Understanding Conditional Sentences in Latin: Types and Examples
This guide explores the structure and usage of conditional sentences in Latin, focusing on their two main components: the protasis (subordinate clause) and apodosis (main clause). We cover different types of indicative and subjunctive conditions, including simple facts present, past, and future, as well as contrary-to-fact situations. Through illustrative examples using characters like Catiline and Cicero, we aim to clarify how conditional sentences are formed and understood in Latin to aid in your studies and comprehension.
Understanding Conditional Sentences in Latin: Types and Examples
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Presentation Transcript
Conditions If . . ., then . . .
*There are 2 parts to a condition: • protasis – subordinate clause introduced by si (if) or nisi (if…not, unless) • apodosis – main/independent clause If Latin scholars do not study conditional sentences, Ms. Genung will be distraught.
Indicative Conditions • Simple Fact Present: • Si CatilinaCiceroneminterficit, improbus est. • Simple Fact Past: • Simple Fact Future/ Future More Vivid: • If Catiline kills Cicero (and he probably is), he is wicked.
Indicative Conditions • Simple Fact Present: • Simple Fact Past: • Si Catilina Ciceronem interfecit, improbus fuit. • Simple Fact Future/ Future More Vivid: • If Catiline killed Cicero (and he probably did), he was wicked.
Indicative Conditions • Simple Fact Present: • Simple Fact Past: • Simple Fact Future/ Future More Vivid: • Si Catilina Ciceronem interficiet, improbus erit. • If Catiline kills (will kill) Cicero (and he probably will), he will be wicked.
*for your notes:Indicative Conditions • Simple Fact Present: • Simple Fact Past: • Simple Fact Future/ Future More Vivid: • is/are . . . is/are • pres. ind. • was/did . . . was/did • past tense (imp. or perf.) • is/are . . . will • fut. tense
Subjunctive Conditions • Contrary-to-fact Present: • Si Catilina Ciceronem laudaret, prudens esset. • Contrary-to-fact Past: • Future Less Vivid: • If Catiline were praising Cicero (but he’s not), he would be wise (but he’s not).
Subjunctive Conditions • Contrary-to-fact Present: • Contrary-to-fact Past: • Si Catilina Ciceronem laudavisset , prudens fuisset. • Future Less Vivid: • If Catiline had praised Cicero (but he did not), he would have been wise (but he was not).
Subjunctive Conditions • Contrary-to-fact Present: • Contrary-to-fact Past: • Future Less Vivid: • Si Catilina Ciceronem laudet, prudens sit. • If Catiline should praise Cicero (and he may, or he may not), he would be wise.
*for your notes:Subjunctive Conditions • Contrary-to-fact Present: • Contrary-to-fact Past: • Future Less Vivid: • were (-ing)… would (be) • imperfect subjunctive • had … would have • pluperfect subjunctive • should … would • present subjunctive
Let’s Practice. • Sī custodiae meae ad casam tuam properabunt, Catilina, mihi dē factīs nefariīs dicent.
Let’s Practice. • Sīcustodiaemeae ad casamtuamproperabunt, Catilina, mihidēfactīsnefariīsdicent. • If my guards hurry to your house (& they will), Catiline, they will tell me about your wicked deeds.
One more! • Si quis te defendere ausus esset, ille punitus esset.
One more! • Si quis te defendere ausus esset, ille punitus esset. • If anyone had dared to defend you, he would have been punished.
