Y10 LATIN: An introduction to the IMPERFECT Subjunctive

Y10 LATIN: An introduction to the IMPERFECT Subjunctive

Stage 24 CLC

A recap: the PLUPERFECT Indicative

• Like the PERFECT tense, but older

• Needs the word 'had' in English translation

• Made from PERFECT STEM + ERAM/ ERAS/ ERAT etc.

• Look out for V S U SS X at end of stem

A recap: the PLUPERFECT Subjunctive

• We have now also met this distinctive looking 'mood'

• PERFECT STEM + ISSE + PERSON ENDING

• BUT, we translate exactly as we would the INDICATIVE

Multiple Choice

Which of the following verbs CANNOT be translated with 'had' in English?

• oppugnaverat

• transiissem

• portabant

• duxeram

Multiple Choice

Which of the following verbs CANNOT be translated with 'had' in English?

• eram

• docueram

• conspexissetis

• venissemus

St 24 also introduces the IMPERFECT Subjunctive

• Again, this is translated EXACTLY the same as the indicative i.e. 'was' or 'were' doing something

• pugnare + mus = we were fighting

• cum fortiter pugnaremus, dux ridebat

• 'Since we were fighting well, the general was smiling'

Multiple Choice

What is the best translation for...

cum fessi essemus, bibere non poteramus

n.b. 'fessus' means 'tired/ shattered'

• When we were hungry, we were unable to drink

• Since we were tired, we were unable to drink

• Although we were exhausted, we were unable to drink

Finally, we will need to learn this ==>

• This is just the subjunctive equivalent of 'eram, eras, erat, eramus, eratis, erant'

• Again, we translate the verb just as we would in the indicative i.e. 'I was, you were, he/she was etc.'

• Note it is still a combo of infinitive + person ending