SAT II Latin : Latin Ablative Case

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT II Latin

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Latin Noun Cases

Vir __________ caeditur

Possible Answers:

gladio

a gladio

cum gladio

per gladio

gladium

Correct answer:

gladio

Explanation:

The correct answer is gladio. This is the example of the ablative of means, meaning an inanimate object was used to achieve an action. As such, there is no need for a preposition, as gladio in this context means "with a sword" already. 

Example Question #3 : Sat Subject Test In Latin

Choose the correct translation for the underlined section of the sentence. 

Ego visus sum a Bruto.

Possible Answers:

for Brutus

at Brutus

by Brutus

with Brutus

to Brutus

Correct answer:

by Brutus

Explanation:

The sentence translates to "I was seen by Brutus." This is called the ablative of personal agent, which uses the preposition "a" before the noun that is doing the action. 

This construction is seen in the words "a Bruto."

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