CI: Lesson - Negation of ut Clauses

Negation of ut Clauses

One of the major differences between purpose and result clauses is how each dependent clause is negated:

• Purpose Clauses use ne
• Result Clauses use ut...non

However, there are more ways to negate a clause than simply saying not. For instance:

• They sent the notice so that no one would be left behind.
  • The dependent clause negates just the noun: no one
  • This is a purpose clause, so this is equivalent to:
    • They sent the notice lest anyone be left behind.
  • Purpose clauses will use the particle ne with a positive form of the pronoun:
    • ne quis*
• The general was so ready to fight that no one could hold him back.
  • Again, the dependent clause is using the negative no one.
  • As a result clause, this translation reflects how Latin would handle it.
  • Result clauses will use the particle ut with a negative form:
    • ut nemo

Review the chart below to see how each type of clause handles the various methods of negation.

Purpose Clause vs. Result Clause: Negation

Examples of Negation	Purpose Clause: ne + positive	Result Clause: ut + negative
that...not	ne	ut non
that no one	ne quis*	ut nemo
that nothing	ne quid*	ut nihil
that...never	ne umquam	ut numquam
that...no	ne ullus, a, um**	ut nullus, a, um

Nota Bene

• *The indefinite pronoun aliquis, aliquid - anyone, anything is shortened to quis, quid following various particles (ne, si, nisi). It is possible to see ne aliquis, but it would be considered less correct than ne quis.
• **ullus and nullus are irregular adjectives (-ius genitive singular, -i dative singular), and, as adjectives, will be paired with a noun:
  
  • ne ullus vir - that no man
  • ut nulla femina - that no woman