Indirect statement in Latin: spot it and translate it
In short
Indirect statement in Latin is an accusative with an infinitive (accusativus cum infinitivo, AcI) that works like a whole clause. It follows verbs of saying, perceiving, thinking and feeling. You usually translate it with a “that” clause: the accusative becomes the subject, the infinitive the verb. Magister discipulos laborare videt. – The teacher sees that the pupils are working.
How to spot indirect statement
- A governing verb of saying, perceiving, thinking or feeling: dicere, videre, audire, putare, scire, gaudere – or impersonal expressions such as constat (it is agreed). The same construction also follows verbs of wishing and ordering such as iubere, vetare, velle, cupere; strictly speaking that is not indirect statement.
- An accusative that is not the object of the governing verb but the subject of the new statement.
- An infinitive that belongs to this accusative.
In the sentence, the accusative and infinitive usually takes the place of the direct object; after impersonal expressions such as constat it acts as the subject. Either way it is a single sentence element that corresponds to a whole clause.
Translate it in three steps
- Translate the governing verb: Magister videt – The teacher sees
- add “that” and take the accusative as the subject: that the pupils …
- turn the infinitive into a finite verb: … are working.
If the indirect statement contains se, it refers to the subject of the main clause: Marcus dicit se fessum esse. – Marcus says that he (himself) is tired.
Time relations
| Infinitive | Time relation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Present | simultaneous | Scio te venire. – I know that you are coming. |
| Perfect | prior | Scio te venisse. – I know that you have come. |
| Future | subsequent | Scio te venturum esse. – I know that you will come. |
If the governing verb is in the past, the English tense shifts: Sciebam te venire. – I knew that you were coming.
The app is in German: exercises, hints and meanings are German, as in the original.
Try it
A real exercise from Disce ludens:
Disce ludens I · Lesson 9 · Exercises on the accusative and infinitive, card 15
Domina iubet ________.
Build an accusative and infinitive from the single words: “(The mistress orders) the maid to bring food.” (ancilla – maid; cibus – food; portare – bring; stay in the singular)
Hint 1: The subject of the accusative and infinitive (ancillam) usually comes first within it.
Hint 2: Cibum is the accusative object within the accusative and infinitive. You don’t need to change portare.
Error points: 0
© Disce ludensWhat Disce ludens does – and what it doesn’t
What Disce ludens does
- Practises indirect statement in Disce ludens I (lesson 9) and with all time relations in Disce ludens II (lesson 24).
- Shows with hints where the subject and the verb of the accusative and infinitive are.
- Translates sentences based on Caesar with indirect statement step by step in Verte ludens.
What it doesn’t do
- Does not treat the nominative and infinitive (NcI) as a separate topic.
- Does not replace practice with longer texts.
- Does not explain in conversation like a teacher.
Frequently asked questions
What is indirect statement in Latin?
An accusative with an infinitive (AcI) that follows verbs of saying, perceiving, thinking and feeling and works like a whole clause. You usually translate it with “that”. The same accusative and infinitive also follows verbs of ordering and wishing (iubeo, veto, volo).
How do you translate an accusative and infinitive?
Translate the governing verb, add “that”, take the accusative as the subject and the infinitive as the verb.
What does se mean in indirect statement?
Se refers to the subject of the main clause and is translated as “he”, “she”, “they” or “himself/herself/themselves”.