Latin Linking Words (Subordinate Clause Starters)

Question 1

What does ‘ut’ mean and in what clauses is it used?

Answer 1

‘Ut’ means ‘so that’ or ‘in order that’. It is used in purpose/result clauses.

Example: Ut disceret, librum legit. – So that he might learn, he read the book.

Question 2

What does ‘ne’ mean and in what clauses is it used?

Answer 2

‘Ne’ means ‘so that… not’ or ‘lest’. It is used in purpose and fear clauses.

Example: Ne cadat, lente ambulat. – He walks slowly so that he doesn’t fall.

Question 3

What does ‘cum’ mean and in what clauses is it used?

Answer 3

‘Cum’ means ‘when’, ‘while’, or ‘since’. It is used in temporal or causal clauses.

Example: Cum dormiret, hostes venerunt. – While he was sleeping, the enemies came.

Question 4

What does ‘quod’ mean and in what clauses is it used?

Answer 4

‘Quod’ means ‘because’. It is used in causal clauses.

Example: Non venit quod aeger erat. – He didn’t come because he was ill.

Question 5

What does ‘quia’ mean and in what clauses is it used?

Answer 5

‘Quia’ means ‘because’. It is used in causal clauses (less common).

Example: Manet quia te amat. – He stays because he loves you.

Question 6

What does ‘quamquam’ mean and in what clauses is it used?

Answer 6

‘Quamquam’ means ‘although’. It is used in concessive clauses.

Example: Quamquam fessus erat, laboravit. – Although he was tired, he worked.

Question 7

What does ‘si’ mean and in what clauses is it used?

Answer 7

‘Si’ means ‘if’. It is used in conditional clauses.

Example: Si laboras, vincis. – If you work, you win.

Question 8

What does ‘nisi’ mean and in what clauses is it used?

Answer 8

‘Nisi’ means ‘unless’ or ‘if not’. It is used in conditional clauses.

Example: Non veniet nisi vocetur. – He won’t come unless he is called.

Question 9

What does ‘dum’ mean and in what clauses is it used?

Answer 9

‘Dum’ means ‘while’, ‘until’, or ‘provided that’. It is used in temporal or conditional clauses.

Example: Dum loquitur, omnes tacent. – While he speaks, all are silent.

Question 10

What does ‘postquam’ mean and in what clauses is it used?

Answer 10

‘Postquam’ means ‘after’. It is used in temporal clauses.

Example: Postquam venit, cenaverunt. – After he arrived, they dined.

Question 11

What does ‘antequam’ mean and in what clauses is it used?

Answer 11

‘Antequam’ means ‘before’. It is used in temporal clauses.

Example: Discessit antequam venires. – He left before you came.

Question 12

What does ‘ubi’ mean and in what clauses is it used?

Answer 12

‘Ubi’ means ‘when’ or ‘where’. It is used in temporal or relative clauses.

Example: Ubi Caesar advenit, hostes fugerunt. – When Caesar arrived, the enemies fled.