AQU: Lesson - Uses of the Ablative Case

Uses of the Ablative Case

The Ablative case has several uses. The most common are listed below. Some uses of the Ablative utilize a preposition while others do not - pay careful attention to the uses that do not! While it is not necessary for you to remember each of the names of the uses, understanding what is happening when you see a noun in the ablative case is critical to your understanding of a Latin sentence. Remember, the general rule for ablative translation is by, with, from. How do each of the following uses fit into that general rule?

Consider the examples below.  

Ablative Case Uses

Use	Typical Preposition (if any)	Examples
Separation	ab (from), ex (out of), de (down from)	ab (a) via - away from the road ex oppido - out of the town de arbore - down from the tree
Position	in (in, on), sub (under)	in via - in the road sub pontibus - under bridges
Means (Instrument)	NO preposition + object (never a person)	saxis - with rocks gladio - with a sword
Manner (manner how something is done)	cum (with) + a noun indicating activity	cum celeritate - with speed cum cura- with care
Accompaniment (association)	cum (with) + a person	cum regina - with the queen cum militibus - with the soldiers
Time when	NO preposition + time noun	nocte - at night prima luce- at first light; at dawn

Practice Activity