What do different cases used in temporal clauses mean?

In Latin, the accusative case is used for describing how long an action took.
For example: 'poeta multos annos errabat' (The poet wandered for many years)
The ablative case can describe the point in time at which the action occurred.
For example: 'prima luce milites hostes oppugnaverunt' (The soldiers attacked the enemy at dawn)
The ablative case can also describe the period of time within which the action occurred.
For example: 'pueri duobus horis laborem non confecerant' (The boys had not finished their work within two hours)

LD
Answered by Luke D. Latin tutor

3017 Views

See similar Latin GCSE tutors

Related Latin GCSE answers

All answers ▸

'illo tempore, urbs Roma a Gallis oppugnabatur' (line 1). What was happening at that time?


Choose two of the following Latin words or verbs and give an English derivative for each word or verb : a) caelum b) sequor, sequi, sectutus sum c)senex d)verto, vertere, versi, versus


How does Ovid, by his style of writing, show that Niobe is fortunate? You should make two points and refer to the Latin. (Taken from a sample paper)


What is the passive periphrastic and how do I translate it?


We're here to help

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

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning