Cum Clauses

Cum Clauses

By Kate Beach

Causal Clauses

because or since

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Cum simus amici, te iuvabo.

Since we are friends, I will help you.​

Some text here about the topic of discussion

Circumstantial Clauses

when or while

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Cum puero sim, ludebam in agris.

When I was a boy, I used to play in the fields.​

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Some text here about the topic of discussion

Concessive Clauses

although or even though

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Cum modo puero essem, pater iussit me pugnare.

Even though I was only a boy, my father ordered me to fight.

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Some text here about the topic of discussion

Temporal Clauses

when or while

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Cum ientaculum edebam, labiam mordi.

When I was eating breakfast, I bit my lip.

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Some text here about the topic of discussion

*This is the only type that uses indicative verbs.

Multiple Choice

Cum Romae estis, agite sicut Romani.

When you are in Rome, do like the Romans

• Causal

• Circumstantial

• Concessive

• Temporal

Multiple Choice

Translate as causal:

Dux urbem dedit cum hostes extra portas essent.

• The general surrounded the city because the enemies were at the gates.

• The general surrounded the city although the enemies were at the gates.

• The general surrounded the city when the enemies were at the gates.

• The general surrounded the city even though the enemies were at the gates.

Poll

Translate as concessive:

Cum in oppido parvo natus esset, Romae tamen vivebat.

• Although he was born in a small town, nevertheless lived in Rome.

• Since he was born in a small town, he wanted to live in Rome.

• When he was born in a small town, he was not yet living in Rome.

• When he was born, Rome was still a small town.

Multiple Choice

Temporal or Circumstantial?

Cum Caesar occisus est, multi Romani tristissimi erant.

• Temporal

• Circumstantial

Multiple Choice

Temporal or Circumstantial?

Puer, cum prope flumen ambularet, in aquam cecidit.

• Temporal

• Circumstantial

Not sure if temporal or circumstantial?

If the cum clause is in the past (before the other clause), it will be subjunctive/circumstantial, but if it is future or at the same time, it will be indicative.

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This is only important to remember if you are writing in Latin. If translating, just say "when" and move on!​

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Multiple Select

Extra Brain Question:

Why must we sometimes use a cum clause instead of an ablative absolute?

• If the clause refers to something that is also in the main clause

• If you want to show past action in the active voice

• If you want to show present action in the passive voice

• They are used in a different way than ablabs