Explain the grammatical construction 'in consiliis capiendis' in "sunt in consiliis capiendis mobiles" (Caesar, De Bello Gallico, IV.5)

The whole phrase is an ablative of manner; it describes the adjective "mobiles" (flexible). They are "mobiles" in regard to "consiliis capiendis" (the act of making plans). 

"Capiendis" is a gerundive, a passive verbal adjective, that describes "consiliis." As it is an adjective it agrees in number case and gender with it's complement, "consiliis" (a neuter noun in the ablative plural.) 

The whole phrase would be translated "they are flexible when making plans."

FW
Answered by Fergus W. Latin tutor

1784 Views

See similar Latin A Level tutors

Related Latin A Level answers

All answers ▸

To what extent is Dido a sympathetic character in Aeneid 4?


To what extent does Virgil glorify war in Aeneid 10? (20 marker)


Comment on this section of text (Aeneid XII lines 742-765). How is Turnus portrayed, particularly in light of his imminent final battle?


What happens if I don't know a word or construction in a prose composition question?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences