Latin for Beginners · Lesson LXXVIII · Part 16: Final review of syntax
78. Review of the ablative
Goal: Your child names the uses of the ablative under three headings, 'with or by', 'from' and 'in or at', and spots them in sentences.
You'll need
- The book (the lesson pages)
- A notebook and pencil
- Index cards from earlier lessons
What's in the book
A review of the ablative (§ 453), grouped as the ablative rendered 'with (or by)', 'from (or by)' and 'in (or at)', with references back to earlier lessons, then thirteen Latin and eight English sentences (§ 454).
The lesson, step by step
Warm up
Ask your child to name as many uses of the ablative as they can remember.
Three families
Read § 453 together. The book sorts every use of the ablative under three English headings: 'with (or by)', 'from (or by)' and 'in (or at)'. Go through each use it lists, say it in your own words, and look up any forgotten one by its § reference.
Latin to English
Translate the thirteen sentences. Two of them:
Gallī timōre servitūtis commōtī bellum parābant.
Bellum ācerrimum ā Caesare in Gallōs gestum est.
For every ablative, name its family and its exact use.
English to Latin
Write the eight sentences. Each tests a different ablative: number 4 needs the ablative of degree of difference, and number 8 an ablative absolute.
Wrap-up
Make a three-column chart of the ablative uses with one Latin example each, and keep it for the last lesson.
Afterwards
Spend two days if needed: one on the sentences, one on the chart and English sentences.
Answers to the book's problems
1. The Gauls, having seized the higher places, are trying to keep the army from its march. 2. All the townspeople went out of the town and began to seek safety in flight. 3. Caesar shows that he holds the life of his soldiers much dearer than his own safety. 4. When he had arrived sooner than anyone expected, the enemy sent him hostages. 5. The village, situated in a valley, is shut in on all sides by very high mountains. 6. This tribe was the most powerful among the Gauls, both in courage and in number of men. 7. In the second watch they went out of the camp in no fixed order and under no command. 8. Leaving two legions at Geneva, on the next day he set out for home with the rest. 9. There were two routes by which the Helvetii could go out from home. 10. The king was a man of the greatest boldness and of great power among the people. 11. The Gauls, moved by fear of slavery, were preparing war. 12. Caesar advises the lieutenants to restrain the soldiers, so that they may not advance too far through eagerness for fighting or hope of booty. 13. A very fierce war was waged by Caesar against the Gauls.
Worked out for this site from the scan. If a number in your copy differs, trust the book.