How should I translate an ablative absolute? I've never managed to get it.

You should always start by translating it with 'with,' so for example, 'with the man having laughed,' 'with the man laughing,' or 'with the man being about to laugh.' If you're not sure of the tense, see what makes most sense with the context. Then, you should try to see if you can replace the 'with' with something else. So, for example, 'because the man had laughed' or 'while the man laughed.' If you're not sure how to replace the 'with' just leave it as 'with.'

JG
Answered by Joseph G. Latin tutor

1983 Views

See similar Latin GCSE tutors

Related Latin GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How do I distinguish between a purpose clause and a result clause?


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


Choose two words from the following list and for each one give an English word derived partly or wholly from the same root: scribere, vulnerato, accepisset, amici, captivi. [2]


Translate from English to Latin: 'The girls were walking to the forum'


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