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

3617 Views

See similar Latin GCSE tutors

Related Latin GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Athenodorus legit titulum auditoque pretio, quia suspecta vilitas: What was Athenodorus suspicious about?


How should you answer reading comprehension questions involving grammar usage?


What is an absolute ablative, How is it constructed and can it be translated?


Caesaris uxor maritum suum multis cum precibus oravit ne in senatum eo die iniret. ille, tamen, cum timeret ne ignavus haberetur, consilium eius neglegere constituit. domo igitur egressus, Curiam intravit ubi a senatorum multitudine statim circumventus es


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning