Latin sentence structure: identifying the parts of a sentence
In short
To translate a Latin sentence, first find the predicate, then the subject, then objects and adverbials. Because Latin word order is free, only the endings show which word plays which role. In Disce ludens the sentence elements trainers practise this, first with German sentences, then with Latin ones.
The order: start from the predicate
- Find the predicate: the finite verb. In Latin it often comes at the end of the sentence.
- Identify the subject: who or what is acting? A word in the nominative that matches the predicate in person and number. If there is none, the subject is contained in the verb ending: laudat – he, she or it praises.
- Look for objects: whom or what (direct object, accusative), to whom (indirect object, dative)?
- Identify adverbials: when, where, how, why? Often prepositional phrases or ablatives.
- Assign attributes: which adjectives and genitives belong to which word?
Sentence parts and their questions
| Sentence element | Question | Typical form in Latin |
|---|---|---|
| Subject | Who or what? | Nominative, or contained in the verb ending |
| Predicate | What does someone do / what happens? | Finite verb |
| Direct object (accusative) | Whom or what? | Accusative |
| Indirect object (dative) | To whom? | Dative |
| Adverbial | When, where, how, why? | Adverb, preposition with a case, ablative |
| Predicate noun or adjective | (with esse) What is someone? | Noun or adjective in the nominative with esse |
| Attributive adjective | What kind of? | Adjective agreeing in case, number and gender |
| Genitive modifier | Whose? | Genitive |
| Apposition | (further explanation) | Noun in the same case |
Two examples from Disce ludens
Mater et pater pueros iam ad ianuam exspectant.
Predicate: exspectant (they are waiting for). Subject: mater et pater. Direct object: pueros (the boys). Adverbials: iam (already) and ad ianuam (at the door). – Mother and father are already waiting for the boys at the door.
Lucius et Marcus amici boni sunt.
Predicate: sunt with the predicate noun amici. Subject: Lucius et Marcus. Attributive adjective: boni. – Lucius and Marcus are good friends.
Getting confident in your own language first
Many difficulties with Latin are really difficulties with sentence structure. That is why Disce ludens I begins with two lessons that practise parts of speech and sentence elements using German sentences. Only then come the Latin sentence elements trainers – with the same questions. 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 22 · Sentence elements trainer, card 3
Pueri septem annos nati ludo interesse debent.
Which sentence element is marked?
© Disce ludensWhat Disce ludens does – and what it doesn’t
What Disce ludens does
- Practises sentence elements in trainers of their own, first with German, then with Latin sentences.
- Works with connected stories instead of isolated sentences.
- Extends the analysis to further sentence elements in lessons 21 and 22.
What it doesn’t do
- Does not explain sentence elements at length like a textbook.
- Leaves subordinate clauses, participles, the ablative absolute and gerunds and gerundives to Disce ludens II; the accusative and infinitive already comes in lesson 9 of Disce ludens I.
- Does not translate whole texts for you.
Frequently asked questions
In what order do I identify the parts of a Latin sentence?
First the predicate, then the subject, then objects, adverbials and finally attributes.
What do I do if there is no subject?
Then it is contained in the personal ending of the verb: laudat means “he, she or it praises”; the context tells you who is meant.
What is a predicate noun or adjective?
A noun or adjective in the nominative that forms the predicate together with esse: in “Lucius et Marcus amici sunt”, amici is a predicate noun; in “amici boni sunt” boni would be a predicate adjective.
Why does the verb often come at the end in Latin?
Because word order is free and the verb frequently closes the sentence. The roles in the sentence are shown by the endings, not by position.