Persons
- Like English, Latin has three persons: first, second, and third person. First person is inside the head of the speaker: "I" or "we." Second person is the addressee: "thou" or "you." Third person refers to someone outside the conversation: "he," "she," "it," or "they."
- As in English, two persons (or more) used together are additive:
You and I [WE] are here. Ego tuque adsumus.
- Unlike in English, when two (or more) persons are used together, especially in the third person, they do not have to be additive. In this case, the subject nearest the verb or the most important subject governs the verb. This gives added emphasis to subject governing the verb.
Monstra et femina nautes perturbat. The monsters and the woman worry the sailors.
- Unlike English, which is concerned with politely listing oneself last, when different persons are used together, Latin order is, logically, one-two-three.
Ego, tu, et ei veniemus. You, they, and I shall come.
- Like English, when two subjects are separated by a contrast ("or" etc.), the second subject governs the verb.
Aut tu aut is ibit. Either you or he will go.
renovata antediem undecim Kalendis Augustis MMDCCLV A.U.C. (ab urbe condita)
This page copyright © Draco, Draconis 2002