The image shows an aqueduct. Under the image is the text, in Latin: Aqua est sub ponte.

The Ablative Case - Introduction

Now that Decimus has carefully review what he already knows, it's time to start exploring new ground. Help Decimus carry out his inspection by learning about the Ablative case in Latin.

The ablative case is most frequently used with prepositions. In general, you will often see prepositions meaning by, with or from with the ablative case. Let's learn more about the ablative endings for nouns and how the ablative case functions in a Latin sentence.

Download a printable version of the slides and full transcript for the Accusative Case Video Lesson.

Ablative Case Endings

Let's take a look at the Ablative Case endings for 1st, 2nd and 3rd declension nouns.

**Ablative Case Endings**
Gender	1st Declension		2nd Declension		3rd Declension
	Singular	Plural	Singular	Plural	Singular	Plural
All Genders	-a	-is/-abus*	-o	-is	-e	-ibus

Nota bene:

*Some feminine nouns, like dea and filia, share a noun base with a 2nd declension masculine noun (deus, filius). The feminine nouns will end with -abus (deabus, filiabus) in the ablative plural instead of -is to avoid confusion with the masculine nouns (deis, filiis).
There are no differences between masculine/feminine and neuter for 2nd and 3rd declension. In other words, all nouns within a given declension use the same ablative endings, regardless of gender.

Practice Activity

Image credit: FCIT