How do I translate the purpose clause from Latin into English?

In latin, a purpose clause is formed by using the word 'ut' followed by a subjunctive. A purpose clause indicates the reason behind an action taking place. Therefore, the 'ut' is translated as 'in order to...' followed by the action indicated by the subjunctive. For example, in the sentence 'pueri in via manere volebant ut puellas spectarent' there is an 'ut' followed by the subjunctive 'spectarent'. You would translate this sentence as, 'the boys wanted to stay in the street in order to watch the girls'. Sometimes, in place of 'ut' the word 'ne' is used to indicate a negative purpose clause. In this case the same rules apply, and the 'ne' is translated as 'so that...not'. For example 'in taberna manebam ne verba imperatoris audirem' is translated as 'I remained in the shop so that I would not hear the words of the emperor'.

ZN

Related Latin GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain the stylistic features Virgil uses to convey increased emotion in a passage from Aeneid 9 (lines 375-400).


How are you qualified to teach Latin at GCSE Level?


This exercise is based on adverbs in Latin. Translate the following into English, identifying the subject, object, verb and adverb: puella donum laete accepit.


How should you answer reading comprehension questions involving grammar usage?