Syntax KCL
Advanced Latin: Purpose / Final Clauses
In English purpose clauses tend to be introduced by ‘in order to’, ‘to’, ‘so
as to’.
There are various ways to express purpose in Latin BUT whatever you do
DON’T use the infinitive.
I ut / ne + present or imperfect subjunctive (depending on
sequence of tenses)
Examples:
You fight so that you may be free
> pugnatis ut liberi sitis
I went to London so as not to see the queen
> Londinium ivi ne reginam
viderem
Exercise (i)
1. Marcus iudicibus praemia dedit ut poenam minuerent.
2. abeo ne videar.
3. Caesar ex provincia egressus est ut se a contumeliis inimicorum
defenderet.
4. ut iugulent homines surgunt de nocte latrones.
contumelia, -ae (f) insult
latro, -onis (m) robber
iugulo, -are, -avi, -atum to kill
After a negative NE you should use the following:
ne quis / quid in order that nobody / nothing …
ne ullus, -a, -um so that no (it’s an adjective) …
ne umquam so that … never
ne usquam so that … nowhere
Example:
I write this so that no one might worry
hoc scribo ne quis anxius sit.
Note doubles negatives:
I am leaving the house so that my wife cannot see me or insult me
domum relinquo ne uxor me videat neu vituperet.
Exercise (ii)
5. I come so that I may see.
6. The soldiers fought bravely so as not to be captured.
