Overview of Greek Syntax Jeffrey A. Rydberg-Cox Perseus Project, Tufts University Gregory Crane Prepared under the supervision of Lisa Cerrato William Merrill Elli Mylonas David Smith About 120Kb Trustees of Tufts University Medford, MA Perseus Project

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Overview of Greek Syntax Jeffrey A. Rydberg-Cox 2000 Text created electronically
English Greek German Latin> 7-Nov-00 Anne Mahoneyed. $Log: gksyn.xml,v $ Revision 1.1 2009-12-08 20:46:34 rsingh04 moved more xml files around based on copyright status. renamed terence files to follow the abbreviations and split up minora_lat.xml into separate files Revision 1.5 2009/08/25 19:51:33 rsingh04 changed bibls with Perseus:abo to corresponding abbreviation Revision 1.4 2009/07/29 18:45:30 student fixed bibl error - zr Revision 1.3 2009/06/19 17:14:26 rsingh04 fixed refs to smyth so they will actually work Revision 1.2 2005/08/16 17:18:03 packel ARRGGH item tags Revision 1.1 2005/07/25 15:04:06 packel Converted to XML Revision 1.3 2005/07/01 14:31:22 mimno new XML versions Revision 1.2 2000/11/12 18:43:56 amahoney fix references to Smyth: put one section in n attribute, list of sections in visible text Revision 1.1 2000/11/07 19:25:51 amahoney finally, this widely-cited document is in the hopper
Nouns, Adjectives, and Pronouns Nominative

Used as the subject, predicate object, or independently in titles.

Subject: Serves as the subject of a finite verb. Smyth 938-939

tau=ta oi( ai(retoi\ a)gge/llousi toi=s stratiw/tais Xen. Anab. 1.2.3; The delegates report these things to the soldiers

Predicate: The predicate object of verbs such as ei)mi/ and gi/gnomai Smyth 939

*kle/arxos fuga\s h)=n Xen. Anab. 1. 1. 9; Clearchus was an exile

Independent: Standing independently describing titles or names. Smyth 940-942

prosei/lhfe th\n tw=n ponhrw=n koinh\n e)pwnumi/an sukofa/nths Aeschin. 2.99; he -- the syncophant -- received the common appellation of the vile

Genitive

1. limits the meaning of a noun

2. expresses the idea of source or separation.

These relationships can be expressed by the English prepositions of or from.

Possession: Denotes possession or ownership Smyth 1297-1302

o( *ku/rou sto/los Xen. Anab. 1.2.5; the expedition of Cyrus

Partitive: Denotes the general class to which a specific noun belongs. Smyth 1306-1319

oi( a)/poroi tw=n politw=n Dem. 18.104; the needy among the citizens

Quality: Denotes the quality of a person or thing. Used mainly as a predicate. Smyth 1320-1321

oi( de/ tines th=s au)th=s gnw/mhs o)li/goi kate/fugon Thuc. 3.70; but some few of the same opinion fled

Explanation: Denotes the specific class to which a general noun belongs. Smyth 1322

a)/ellai pantoi/wn a)ne/mwn Hom. Od. 5.292; blasts of wind of every sort

Material: Denotes the composition or contents of a noun. Smyth 1323-1324

e(cako/sia ta/lanta fo/rou Thuc. 2.13; six hundred talents in taxes

Measure: Denotes the extent in space or time of a noun. Smyth 1325-1327

o)ktw\ stadi/wn tei=xos Thuc. 7.2; a wall eight stades long

Subjective: Denotes the subject of a verbal adjective expressed by a noun, usually with an active sense. Smyth 1330

tw=n barba/rwn fo/bos Xen. Anab. 1.2.17; the fear of the barbarians (which they feel: oi( ba/rbaroi fobou=ntai)

Objective: Denotes the object of a verbal action expressed by a noun, usually with a passive sense. Smyth 1331-1335

fo/bos tw=n *ei(lw/twn Thuc. 3.54 the fear of the Helots (felt towards them: fobou=ntai tou\s *ei(/lwtas

Price or Value: Denotes the price or value of an object Smyth 1336-1337

xili/wn draxmw=n di/khn feu/gw Dem. 55.25; I am defendant in an action involving a thousand drachma

With Certain Verbs: The genitive is used as the object verbs that denote sharing, touching, beginning, aiming at, obtaining, smelling, remembering, hearing, perceiving, filing, ruling, differing, commanding, etc. Smyth 1341-1371

th=s qala/tths e)kra/tei Plat. Menex. 239e; he was master of the sea

Charge: Denotes the crime with verbs of charging, summoning, and convicting. Smyth 1375-1379

e)me\ o( *me/lhtos a)sebei/as e)gra/yato Plat. Euthyph. 5c; Meletus prosecuted me for impiety

Separation: The genitive expresses the ideas of separation with verbs denoting to cease, be apart from, want, lack, etc. Smyth 1392-1400

lh/gein tw=n po/nwn Isoc. 1.14; to cease from toil

Comparison: Denotes the person or thing being compared when used with comparative adjectives, comparative adverbs or verbs expressing the idea of comparison. Smyth 1401-1404

a)/rxwn a)gaqo\s ou)de\n diafe/rei patro\s a)gaqou= Xen. Cyrop. 8.1.1; a good ruler differs in no respect from a good father

Cause: The genitive expresses cause with verbs denoting wonder, admiration, anger, etc. Smyth 1405-1407

to\n ce/non di/kaion ai)ne/sai proqumi/as Eur. IA 1371; it is right to praise the stranger for his zeal

Source: The genitive expresses the idea of source. Smyth 1410-1411

pi/qwn h)fu/sseto oi)=nos Hom. Od. 23.305; wine was broached from the casks

Time or Place within which: The genitive denotes the time or place within which an event happens. Smyth 1444-1449

w)/|xeto th=s nukto/s Xen. Anab. 7.2.17; he departed during the night

Agency: The genitive with u(po/ expresses the agent of a passive verb. Smyth 1491

perierrei=to d' au(/th u(po\ tou= *ma/ska ku/klw| Xen. Anab. 1.5.4; And this was encircled by the Mascas

Purpose: The genitive articular infinitive can express purpose. Smyth 1408-1409

tou= mh\ ta\ di/kaia poiei=n Dem. 18.107; in order not to do what was just

Dative

1. Used as the indirect object.

2. Expresses how or with what something is done.

3. Expresses relationships of place where and time when.

These relationships can be expressed by the English prepositions to or for, with or by, and in or at.

Indirect Object: Used as the indirect object of a verb. Smyth 1469-1470

*ku=ros di/dwsin au)tw=| e(\c mhnw=n misqo/n Xen. Anab. 1.1.10; Cyrus gives pay for six months to him

Possessor: Denotes possession with verbs such as gi/gnomai and ei)mi/. Smyth 1476-1480

a)/llois me\n xrh/mata/ e)sti, h(mi=n de\ cu/mmaxoi a)gaqoi/ Thuc. 1.86; others have riches, we have good allies

Advantage or Disadvantage: Describes the person or thing for (or against) whom an action is done. Smyth 1481-1486

a)/llw| o( toiou=tos ploutei=, kai\ ou)x e(autw=| Plat. Menex. 246e; such a man is rich for another, and not for himself

Ethical: A dative personal pronoun denotes the interest of the speaker or the one being spoken to in the action of a statement. Smyth 1486-1487

toiou=to u(mi=n e)sti h( turanni/s Hdt. 5.92; such a thing, you know, is despotism

Agent: Denotes agency with either verbal adjectives ending in -te/os or passive verbs in the perfect or pluperfect tenses. Smyth 1488-1494

tosau=ta/ moi ei)rh/sqw Lys. 24.4; let so much have been said by me

Attendant Circumstance: Denotes the manner in which an action takes place. Smyth 1527

pollh=| boh=| prose/keinto Thuc. 4.127; they attacked with loud shouts

Respect: Denotes the respect or attendant circumstance in which an action is true. Smyth 1516

a)sqenh\s tw=| sw/mati Dem. 21.165; weak in body

Means: Denotes the means with which something is done. Smyth 1507-1511

e)zhmi/wsan xrh/masin Thuc. 2.65; they punished him by a fine

Degree of Difference: Denotes the degree of difference with words containing an idea of comparison. Smyth 1513-1515

ou) pollai=s h(me/rais u(/steron h)=lqen Xen. Hell. 1.1.1; he arrived not many days later

Accompaniment: Denotes accompaniment, frequently with the preposition su/n. Most common in military situations. Smyth 1524-1525

a)kolouqei=n tw=| h(goume/nw| Plat. Rep. 474c; to follow the leader

Time When: Denotes the point of time when an action takes place. Smyth 1540-1543

tau/thn me\n th\n h(me/ran au)tou= e)/meinan, th=| de\ u(sterai/a| ktl Xen. Hell. 1.1.14-14; . throughout that day they waited there, but on the day following, etc.

Place Where: Denotes the place where an action takes place. Most common in poetry. Smyth 1530-1538

gh=| e)/keito Soph. OT 1266; she lay on the ground

With compound verbs: The dative is used as the direct object of many verbs compounded with the prepositions e)n, su/n, and e)pi/ and less frequently with the prepositions pro/s, para/, peri/, and u(po/. Smyth 1544-1550

e)lpi/das e)mpoiei=n a)nqrw/pois Xen. Cyrop. 1.6.19; to create expectations in men

Accusative

Used as the direct object of a verb, or to communicate relationships of motion, space, or time.

Direct Object: Used as the direct object of a transitive verb. Smyth 1553-1555

to\n a)/ndra o(rw= Xen. Anab. 1.8.26; I see the man

Cognate: Repeats the sense of the verb in the form of a verbal noun. Smyth 1563-1577

th\n e)n *salami=ni naumaxi/an naumaxh/santes Dem. 59.97; victorious in the sea-fight at Salamis

Subject of the Infinitive: Used as the subject of an infinitive. Smyth 1972-1981

to\n ga\r kalo\n ka)gaqo\n a)/ndra eu)dai/mona ei)=nai/ fhmi Plat. Gorg. 470e; for I maintain that the noble and good man is happy

Specification or Respect: Limits the scope of a verb or an adjective. Smyth 1600-1605

tuflo\s ta/ t' w)=ta to/n te nou=n ta/ t' o)/mmat' ei)= Soph. OT 371; you are blind in ears, and mind, and eyes

Extent of Space: Describes the space over which an action takes place. Smyth 1581

a)/gein (stratia\n) stena\s o(dou/s Xen. Cyrop. 1.6.43 to lead an army over narrow roads

Extent of Time: Describes the length of time of an action. Smyth 1582-1585

cummaxi/an e)poih/santo e(kato\n e)/th Thuc. 3.114; they made an alliance for a hundred years

End of Motion: Describes the motion towards something with prepositions. In poetry, the preposition may be omitted. Smyth 1588-1589

pe/myome/n nin *(ella/da Eur. Tro. 883; we will convey her to Greece

Adverbial: The accusative may serve as an adverb. Smyth 1606-1611

e)/plee pro/fasin e)p' *(ellhspo/ntou Hdt. 5.33; he sailed professedly for the Hellespont

Oaths: Used with verbs of swearing and the particles nh/ and ma/ Smyth 1596

o)mnu/w u(mi=n qeou\s pa/ntas kai\ pa/sas Xen. Anab. 6.1.31; I swear to you by all the gods and goddesses.

Double Accusative: Many verbs take two accusatives, one of the person affected, the other of the thing. Smyth 1619-1635

o( po/lemos a)ei/mnhston paidei/an au)tou\s e)pai/deuse Aeschin. 3.148; the war taught them a lesson they will hold in everlasting remembrance

Predicate Accusative: Verbs of naming, appointing, considering take a second accusative as a predicate of the direct object. Smyth 1613-1618

strathgo\n au)to\n a)pe/deice Xen. Anab. 1.1.2; he appointed him general

Vocative

Used for exclamations and emphatic address.

Exclamations: The vocative is used in exclamations Smyth 1283-1288

w)= *zeu= kai\ qeoi/ Plat. Prot. 310d; oh Zeus and ye gods

Emphatic address: The vocative is used for emphatic addresses. Smyth 1283-1288

a)kou/eis *ai)sxi/nh; Dem. 18.121 do you hear, Aeschines?

Verbs: Tense Present

The present tense denotes an action in the present time with continuing aspect.

Specific Present: The present denotes an action in progress at the present time. Smyth 1875-1876

a)lhqh= le/gw Lys. 13.72; I am telling the truth

Gnomic Present: The present can denote a general truth. Smyth 1877

a)/gei de\ pro\s fw=s th\n a)lh/qeian xro/nos Men. Sent. 11 time brings the truth to light

Historical Present: The present may be used in narrative to present a more vivid picture of an action. Smyth 1883-1884

o( de\ *qemistoklh=s feu/gei e)s *ke/rkuran . . . diakomi/zetai e)s th\n h)/peiron Thuc. 1.136 Themistocles fled (flees) to Corcyra . . . was (is) transported to the mainland

Present Simple Conditions: The present or perfect indicative stands in the protasis of present simple conditions. The present or perfect indicative stands in the apodosis. Smyth 2298-2301

ei) ou)=n bou/lesqe, e)/cestin u(mi=n h(ma=s labei=n cumma/xous Xen. Anab. 5.4.6; If you wish, you can take us as allies

Present General Conditions: The subjunctive with e)a/n stands in the protasis of present general conditions. The present indicative stands in the apodosis Smyth 2337-2339

a)dikou=nta, h)\n la/bh|s, kola/zeis; Xen. Cyrop. 3.1.11; Do you punish a wrong-doer if you catch him?

Perfect

The perfect denotes present time and completed aspect.

Specific Perfect: The perfect denotes a completed action in the present time. Smyth 1945

ta\s po/leis au)tw=n parh/|rhtai Dem. 9.26; he has taken away (and still holds) their cities

Gnomic Perfect: The perfect can denote a general truth. Smyth 1948

h( a)taci/a pollou\s h)/dh a)polw/leken Xen. Anab. 3.1.38; lack of discipline already has been the ruin of many

Present Simple Conditions: The present or perfect indicative stands in the protasis of present simple conditions. The present or perfect indicative stands in the apodosis. Smyth 2298-2301

ei) ou)=n bou/lesqe, e)/cestin u(mi=n h(ma=s labei=n cumma/xous Xen. Anab. 5.4.6; If you wish, you can take us as allies

Pluperfect

The pluperfect expresses past time and completed aspect.

Specific Pluperfect: The pluperfect expresses a completed action in past time. Smyth 1952

e)bebouleu/mhn I had (was) resolved

Past Simple Conditions: The imperfect, aorist, or pluperfect indicative stands in the protasis and apodosis of past simple conditions. Smyth 2298-2301

ei)/ te/ ti a)/llo . . . e)ge/neto e)piki/ndunon toi=s *(/ellhsi, pa/ntwn . . . mete/sxomen Thuc. 3.54; and if any other danger befell the Greeks, we took our share in all

Imperfect

The imperfect expresses past time and continuing aspect.

Specific Imperfect: The imperfect denotes an action that is continuing in a past time or is still incomplete in the present. Smyth 1889-1892

die/fqeiran *)aqhnai/wn pi/nte kai\ ei)/kosi oi(\ cunepoliorkou=nto Thuc. 3.68; they put to death twenty-five of the Athenians who were besieged (i.e. from the beginning to the end of the siege)

Conative Imperfect: The imperfect can denote an action that was attempted in a past time. Smyth 1895

*qhbai=oi katedoulou=nt' au)tou/s Dem. 8.74; the Thebans tried to enslave them

Iterative Imperfect: The imperfect can denote a repeated action in past time when accompanied by a)/n. Smyth 1893-1894

e)pequ/mei a)/n tis e)/ti plei/w au)tou= a)kou/ein Xen. Cyrop. 1.4.3; people would (used to) desire to hear still more from him

Present Contrafactual Conditions: The imperfect indicative stands in the protasis of present contrafactual conditions. The imperfect indicative with a)/n stands in the apodosis. Smyth 2302-2312

ei) ga\r e)kh/dou, h(=kes a)\n fe/rwn plh/rh to\n misqo\n Xen. Anab. 7.5.5; If you were troubled, you would have come with full pay

Past Contrafactual Condition: The aorist or imperfect indicative stands in the protasis of past contrafactual conditions. The aorist or imperfect indicative with a)/n stands in the apodosis. Smyth 2302-2312

ou)k a)\n e)poi/hsen *)agasi/as tau=ta, ei) mh\ e)gw\ au)to\n e)ke/leusa Xen. Anab. 6.6.15; Agasias would not have done this, if I had not commanded him

Past Simple Conditions: The imperfect, aorist, or pluperfect indicative stands in the protasis and apodosis of past simple conditions. Smyth 2298-2301

ei)/ te/ ti a)/llo . . . e)ge/neto e)piki/ndunon toi=s *(/ellhsi, pa/ntwn . . . mete/sxomen Thuc. 3.54; and if any other danger befell the Greeks, we took our share in all

Past General Conditions: The optative with ei) stands in the protasis of past general conditions. The imperfect indicative stands in the apodosis. Smyth 2340-2341

ei) de/ tis kai\ a)ntei/poi, eu)qu\s . . . e)teqnh/kei Thuc. 8.66; but if any one even made an objection, he was promptly put to death

Aorist

The aorist expresses past time and simple aspect.

Specific Aorist: The aorist denotes a simple action in the past. Smyth 1923-1930

e)ni/khsan oi( *kerkurai=oi kai\ nau=s pe/nte kai\ de/ka die/fqeiran Thuc. 1.29; the Corcyraeans were victorious and destroyed fifteen ships

Gnomic Aorist: The aorist can express a general truth and, in this case, should be translated as a present. Smyth 1931-1932

ka/llos me\n ga\r h)\ xro/nos a)nh/lwsen h)\ no/sos e)ma/rane Isoc. 1.6; for beauty is either wasted by time or withered by disease

Iterative Aorist: The aorist can indicate repeated action in past time when accompanied by a)/n. Smyth 1933

ei)=pen a)/n Xen. Cyrop. 7.1.14 he used to say

Past Contrafactual Condition: The aorist or imperfect indicative stands in the protasis of past contrafactual conditions. The aorist or imperfect indicative with a)/n stands in the apodosis. Smyth 2302-2312

ou)k a)\n e)poi/hsen *)agasi/as tau=ta, ei) mh\ e)gw\ au)to\n e)ke/leusa Xen. Anab. 6.6.15; Agasias would not have done this, if I had not commanded him

Past Simple Conditions: The imperfect, aorist, or pluperfect indicative stands in the protasis and apodosis of past simple conditions. Smyth 2298-2301

ei)/ te/ ti a)/llo . . . e)ge/neto e)piki/ndunon toi=s *(/ellhsi, pa/ntwn . . . mete/sxomen Thuc. 3.54; and if any other danger befell the Greeks, we took our share in all

Future

The future expresses future time with either simple or continuing aspect.

Specific Future: The future denotes an action that will take place at a future time. Smyth 1910-1913

lh/yetai misqo\n ta/lanton Xen. Anab. 2.2.20; he shall receive a talent as his reward

Jussive Future: The future can denote a command, much like the imperative. Smyth 1917-1922

w(\s ou)=n poih/sete Plat. Prot. 338a; you will do thus

Gnomic Future: The future can express a general truth and, in this case, should be translated as a present. Smyth 1914

Plat. Rep. 603e a)nh\r e)pieikh\s ui(o\n a)pole/sas r(a=|sta oi)/sei tw=n a)/llwn a reasonable man, if he loses a son, will (is expected to) bear it more easily than other men

Future More Vivid Conditions: The subjunctive with e)a/n stands in the protasis of future more vivid conditions. The future indicative stands in the apodosis. Smyth 2323-2327

ti/ e)/stai toi=s stratiw/tais, e)a\n au)tw=| tau=ta xari/swntai Xen. Anab. 2.1.10; What will the soldiers have, if they oblige him in this?

Future Most Vivid Conditions: The future indicative stands in the protasis and apodosis of future most vivid conditions. Smyth 2328

a)poktenei=s ga/r, ei)/ me gh=s e)/cw balei=s Eur. Phoen. 1621; for you will slay me if you cast me out of the land

Future Perfect

The future perfect expresses future time and completed aspect.

Specific Future Perfect: The future perfect denotes a completed action in some future time. Smyth 1955-1958

h( qu/ra keklh/setai Aristoph. Lys. 1071; the door will be kept shut

Verbs: Voice Active Voice

The active voice denotes that the subject is the agent of an action.

Transitive: A transitive verb expresses an immediate impact on its object. The object is defined the accusative. Smyth 1705-1706

Intransitive: An intransitive verb has an indirect impact on an object. The object can be 1) the subject, 2) defined by an oblique case, or 3) defined by a prepositional phrase. Smyth 1707-1710

Middle Voice

The middle voice denotes that the subject is both an agent of an action and somehow concerned with the action.

Direct Reflexive: A direct reflexive middle denotes the idea of self as a direct object. Smyth 1717-1718

dei/sas mh/ e)f' a(rpagh\n tra/poito to\ stra/teuma Xen. Anab. 7.1.18; Fearing lest the army might betake itself to plunder.

Indirect Reflexive: An indirect reflexive middle denotes the idea of self as an indirect object. Smyth 1719-1722

me/nein te au)to\n e)ke/leue kai\ su/ndeipnon e)poih/sato Xen. Anab. 2.5.27; He invited him to remain and made him his guest.

Passive Voice

The passive voice denotes that the subject is acted upon.

Verbs: Mood Indicative

The indicative mood expresses simple statements or questions of fact.

Specific Indicative: The Indicative mood is used to express a fact or to ask a question anticipating a fact. Smyth 1770-1773

e)ntau=q' e)/meinen h(me/ras pe/nte Xen. Anab. 1.2.11; He remained there for five days

In Purpose or Final Clauses: The future indicative can be used in place of the subjunctive or optative in purpose clauses (Most common in poetry). Smyth 2203

ou)de\ di' e(\n a)/llo tre/fontai h)\ o(/pws maxou=ntai Xen. Cyrop. 2.1.21; nor are they maintained for any other single purpose than for fighting

In Object Clauses of Effort: The future indicative can be used in object clauses introduced by o(/pws or o(/pws mh/ following verbs that signify attempting or planning. Smyth 2209-2211

e)/prasson o(/pws tis boh/qeia h(/cei Thuc. 3.4 they were managing (this, that) how some reinforcements should come

In Fear Clauses: The future indicative can sometimes be used in place of the subjunctive in object clauses introduced by o(/pws mh/ following verbs that signify fear of something in the future. The indicative is also used in clauses that signify fear of something in the present or the past. Smyth 2231

Dem. 9.75 de/doika o(/pws mh\ . . . a)na/gkh genh/setai v. l. ge/nhtai) I fear lest a necessity may arise

In Causal Clauses: The indicative is used in causal clauses expressing a factual cause after both primary and secondary tenses. The negative is ou). Causal clauses are introduced by o(/ti, dio/ti, dio/per, e)pei/, e)peidh/, o(/te, o(po/te and w(s. Smyth 2240-2242

e)pei\ de\ u(mei=s ou) bou/lesqe sumporeu/esqai, a)na/gkh dh/ moi h)\ u(ma=s prodo/nta th=| *ku/rou fili/a| xrh=sqai ktl. Xen. Anab. 1.3.5; but since you do not wish to continue the march with me, I must either retain the friendship of Cyrus by renouncing you, etc.

In Consecutive or Result Clauses: A result clause introduced by w(/ste expressing the idea of an actual result is expressed by the indicative. Smyth 2274-2278

ou(/tw dia/keimai u(f' u(mw=n w(ste ou)de\ dei=pnon e)/xw e)n th=| e)mautou= xw/ra| Xen. Hell. 4.1.33; I am treated by you in such a manner that I cannot even sup in my own country

In Temporal Clauses: The indicative is used in temporal clauses to denote a factual occurrence on a definite occasion in the present or the past. The negative is ou). Smyth 2395-2397

o(/te tau=ta h)=n, sxedo\n me/sai h)=san nu/ktes Xen. Anab. 3.1.33; it was about midnight when this was taking place

In Indirect Discourse: The indicative is used in indirect discourse introduced by o(/ti or w(s following a verb in primary sequence. The indicative may also be retained following a verb in secondary sequence. Smyth 2614-2615

le/gei d' w(s u(bristh/s ei)mi Lys. 24.15; he says that I am an insolent person

Present Simple Conditions: The present or perfect indicative stands in the protasis of present simple conditions. The present or perfect indicative stands in the apodosis. Smyth 2298-2301

ei) ou)=n bou/lesqe, e)/cestin u(mi=n h(ma=s labei=n cumma/xous Xen. Anab. 5.4.6; If you wish, you can take us as allies

Present Contrafactual Conditions: The imperfect indicative stands in the protasis of present contrafactual conditions. The imperfect indicative with a)/n stands in the apodosis. Smyth 2302-2312

ei) ga\r e)kh/dou, h(=kes a)\n fe/rwn plh/rh to\n misqo\n Xen. Anab. 7.5.5; If you were troubled, you would have come with full pay

Present General Conditions: The subjunctive with e)a/n stands in the protasis of present general conditions. The present indicative stands in the apodosis Smyth 2337-2339

a)dikou=nta, h)\n la/bh|s, kola/zeis; Xen. Cyrop. 3.1.11; Do you punish a wrong-doer if you catch him?

Past Simple Conditions: The imperfect, aorist, or pluperfect indicative stands in the protasis and apodosis of past simple conditions. Smyth 2298-2301

ei)/ te/ ti a)/llo . . . e)ge/neto e)piki/ndunon toi=s *(/ellhsi, pa/ntwn . . . mete/sxomen Thuc. 3.54; and if any other danger befell the Greeks, we took our share in all

Past Contrafactual Conditions: The aorist or imperfect indicative stands in the protasis of past contrafactual conditions. The aorist or imperfect indicative with a)/n stands in the apodosis. Smyth 2302-2312

ou)k a)\n e)poi/hsen *)agasi/as tau=ta, ei) mh\ e)gw\ au)to\n e)ke/leusa Xen. Anab. 6.6.15; Agasias would not have done this, if I had not commanded him

Past General Conditions: The optative with ei) stands in the protasis of past general conditions. The imperfect indicative stands in the apodosis. Smyth 2340-2341

ei) de/ tis kai\ a)ntei/poi, eu)qu\s . . . e)teqnh/kei Thuc. 8.66; but if any one even made an objection, he was promptly put to death

Future More Vivid Conditions: The subjunctive with e)a/n stands in the protasis of future more vivid conditions. The future indicative stands in the apodosis. Smyth 2323-2327

ti/ e)/stai toi=s stratiw/tais, e)a\n au)tw=| tau=ta xari/swntai Xen. Anab. 2.1.10; What will the soldiers have, if they oblige him in this?

Future Most Vivid Conditions: The future indicative stands in the protasis and apodosis of future most vivid conditions. Smyth 2328

a)poktenei=s ga/r, ei)/ me gh=s e)/cw balei=s Eur. Phoen. 1621; for you will slay me if you cast me out of the land

Subjunctive

The meaning of the subjunctive mood varies according to its context.

Hortatory: The subjunctive without a)/n is used in exhortations. The negative is mh/ Smyth 1797-1799

a)/ge skopw=men Xen. Cyrop. 5.5.15; come let us consider

Prohibitive: The second or third person aorist subjunctive without a)/n is used in prohibitions. The negative is mh/. Smyth 1800

mhde\n a)qumh/shte Xen. Anab. 5.4.19; do not lose heart

Deliberative: The first person subjunctive is used when a speaker questions what she or he should do. The negative is mh/. Smyth 1805-1808

ti/ dra/sw; poi= fu/gw; Eur. Med. 1271; what am I to do? whither shall I fly?

Hesitating Assertion: The subjunctive with mh/ can express a doubtful assertion. With mh/ ou) it expresses a doubtful denial. Smyth 1801-1804

mh\ a)groiko/teron h)=| to\ a)lhqe\s ei)pei=n Plat. Gorg. 462e; I suspect it's too rude to tell the truth

In Purpose or Final Clauses: The subjunctive can be used in purpose clauses following verbs in primary sequence. Smyth 2193-2196

kata/mene i(/na kai\ peri\ sou= bouleusw/meqa Xen. Anab. 6.6.28; remain behind that we may consider your case also

In Object Clauses of Effort: The subjunctive can occasionally be used in object clauses introduced by o(/pws or o(/pws mh/ following verbs that signify effort. Smyth 2214

e)/prassen . . . o(/pws po/lemos ge/nhtai Thuc. 1.57; he tried to bring it about that war should be occasioned

In Fear Clauses: The subjunctive is used in object clauses introduced by mh/ following verbs in primary sequence that signify fear. Smyth 2225-2232

de/doika mh\ . . . e)pilaqw/meqa th=s oi)/kade o(dou= Xen. Anab. 3.2.25; I am afraid lest we may forget the way home

In Temporal Clauses: The subjunctive is used with a)/n in temporal clauses referring to the future, corresponding in sense to the future more vivid condition. The negative is mh/. Smyth 2401-2403

e)peida\n a(/pant' a)kou/shte, kri/nate Dem. 4.14; when you have heard everything, decide

Present General Conditions: The subjunctive with e)a/n stands in the protasis of present general conditions. The present indicative stands in the apodosis Smyth 2297

a)dikou=nta, h)\n la/bh|s, kola/zeis; Xen. Cyrop. 3.1.11; Do you punish a wrong-doer if you catch him?

Future More Vivid Conditions: The subjunctive with e)a/n stands in the protasis of future more vivid conditions. The future indicative stands in the apodosis. Smyth 2323-2327

ti/ e)/stai toi=s stratiw/tais, e)a\n au)tw=| tau=ta xari/swntai Xen. Anab. 2.1.10; What will the soldiers have, if they oblige him in this?

Optative

The meaning of the optative mood varies according to its context.

Optative of Wish: The optative without a)/n can be used to express a wish. Smyth 1814-1819

w)= pai=, ge/noio patro\s eu)tuxe/steros Soph. Aj. 550; ah, boy, mayest thou prove more fortunate than thy sire

Potential Optative: The optative with a)/n can be used to express a future possibility. Smyth 1824-1834

gnoi/hs d' a)\n o(/ti tou=q' ou(/tws e)/xei Xen. Cyrop. 1.6.21; you may see that this is so

Imperative Optative: The optative without a)/n can be used to express an imperative command. Smyth 1820

*xeiri/sofos h(goi=to Xen. Anab. 3.2.37; let Chirisophus lead

In Purpose or Final Clauses: The optative can be used in purpose clauses following verbs in secondary sequence. Smyth 2193-2196

kai\ a(/ma tau=t' ei)pw\n a)ne/sth w(s mh\ me/lloito a)lla\ perai/noito ta\ de/onta Xen. Anab. 3.1.47; and with these words on his lips he stood up in order that what was needful might not be delayed but be done at once

In Object Clauses of Effort: The optative with o(/pws is sometimes used following a verb of effort in place of the future indicative. Smyth 2211-2212

e)peme/leto o(/pws mh/te a)/sitoi mh/te a)/potoi/ pote e)/sointo Xen. Cyrop. 8.1.43; he took care that they should never be without food or drink

In Fear Clauses: The optative is used in object clauses introduced by mh/ following secondary verbs that signify fear. Smyth 2225-2232

e)/deisan oi( (/ *ellhnes mh\ prosa/goien pro\s to\ ke/ras kai\ . . . au)tou\s katako/yeian Xen. Anab. 1.10.9; the Greeks were seized with fear lest they might advance against their flank and cut them down

In Causal Clauses: Causal clauses expressing a reported cause take the optative after a secondary tense. Smyth 2240-2242

(oi( *)aqhnai=oi) to\n *perikle/a e)ka/kizon o(/ti strathgo\s w)\n ou)k e)peca/goi Thuc. 2.21; the Athenians reviled Pericles on the ground that, though he was general, he did not lead them out

In Temporal Clauses: The optative is used without a)/n in temporal clauses referring to the future, corresponding in sense to the future less vivid condition. The negative is mh/. Smyth 2404-2408

de/oito/ g' a)\n au)tou= me/nein, e(/ws a)pe/lqois Xen. Cyrop. 5.3.13; he would beg him to remain until you should depart

In Indirect Discourse: The optative can be used in indirect discourse introduced by o(/ti or w(s following a verb in secondary sequence. Smyth 2614-2615

e)/gnwsan o(/ti keno\s o( fo/bos ei)/h Xen. Anab. 2.2.21; they recognized that their fear was groundless

Past General Conditions: The optative with ei) stands in the protasis of past general conditions. The imperfect indicative stands in the apodosis. Smyth 2340-2341

ei) de/ tis kai\ a)ntei/poi, eu)qu\s . . . e)teqnh/kei Thuc. 8.66; but if any one even made an objection, he was promptly put to death

Future Less Vivid Conditions: The optative with ei) stands in the protasis of future less vivid conditions. The optative with a)/n stands in the apodosis. Smyth 2329-2334

deina\ a)\n ei)/hn ei)rgasme/nos, . . . ei) li/poimi th\n ta/cin Plat. Apol. 28d; I should be in the state of having committed a dreadful deed, if I were to desert my post

Imperative

The imperative mood is used to express commands and prohibitions.

Commands: The imperative is used to express commands. Smyth 1836-1839

a)/ge dh\ a)kou/sate Xen. Apol. 14; come listen

Prohibitions: The imperative with mh/ is used to express prohibitions. Smyth 1840-1844

mh\ mainw/meqa mhd' ai)sxrw=s a)polw/meqa Xen. Anab. 7.1.29; let us not act like madmen nor perish disgracefully

Infinitive

The infinitive is a verbal noun. It is verbal in that it is formed from a verbal stem, modified by adverbs, and admits the constructions of a finite verb. It is a noun in that it can be the subject or object of a verb, and can exhibit case syntax.

Subject: The infinitive can serve as the subject of a verb, particularly impersonal verbs such as dei=. Smyth 1984-1988

sumfe/rei au)toi=s fi/lous ei)=nai Xen. Ec. 11.23; it is for their interest to be friends

Object: The infinitive can serve as the object of verbs that imply a supplementary action. Smyth 1989-1990

pai/deusis kalh\ dida/skei xrh=sqai no/mois Xen. Hunt. 12.14; a good education teaches obedience to the laws

Complementary: The infinitive can complement adjectives, adverbs, and substantives that imply ability or suitability. Smyth 2000-2007

deino\s le/gein, kako\s biw=nai Aeschin. 3.174; skilled in speaking, evil in life

Purpose: The infinitive can express purpose, particularly after verbs implying choosing or giving. Smyth 2008-2011

pare/xw e)mauto\n e)rwta=n Plat. Apol. 33b; I offer myself to be questioned

In Consecutive/Result Clauses: A result clause introduced by w(/ste expressing the idea that something was intended to or could occur as a natural result of an action is expressed by the infinitive. Smyth 2258-2272

e)/xw trih/\reis w(/ste e(lei=n to\ e)kei/nwn ploi=on Xen. Anab. 1.4.8; I have triremes (so as) to catch their vessel

Absolute: The infinitive can be used absolutely in parenthetical phrases. Smyth 2012

a)lhqe/s ge w(s e)/pos ei)pei=n ou)de\n ei)rh/kasin Plat. Apol. 17a not one word of truth, I may say, did they utter

Imperative: The infinitive can be used to express a command. Smyth 2013

a)kou/ete lew/|: kata\ ta\ pa/tria tou\s xo/as pi/nein Aristoph. Ach. 1000; hear ye, good people! drink the Pitchers as our sires drank!

Exclamatory: The infinitive can be used absolutely in exclamations. Smyth 2015

e)me\ paqei=n ta/de Aesch. Eum. 837; that I should suffer this!

Wishes: The infinitive can be used in place of an optative of wish. Smyth 2014

w)= *zeu=, e)kgene/sqai moi *)aqhnai/ous tei/sasqai Hdt. 5.105; oh Zeus, that it be granted to me to punish the Athenians!

In Indirect Discourse: The infinitive can be used in to represent a finite verb in indirect discourse after verbs expressing the idea of saying, believing, and thinking. Smyth 2616-2024

e)/fh h)\ a)/cein *lakedaimoni/ous h)\ au)tou= a)poktenei=n Thuc. 4.28; he said that he would either bring the Lacedaemonians or kill them on the spot

Articular Infinitive: The infinitive can be used with the article as if it were a noun. Smyth 2025-2037

a)ni/h kai\ to\ fula/ssein Hom. Od. 20.52; to watch is also trouble

Participle

Participles are verbal adjectives. Participles are like adjectives in that: 1. they have both case and number, 2. they can modify other nouns and pronouns.

Participles are like verbs in that: 1. they are formed from verb stems, 2. they have both voice and tense (although tense only signifies aspect), 3. they can take both an object and an indirect object, 4. they are modified by adverbs.

Attributive: A participle with an article in the attributive position functions as an adjective. Smyth 2049-2053

o( e)festhkw\s ki/ndunos th=| po/lei Dem. 18.176; the danger impending over the State

Circumstantial: A participle not in the attributive position can describe an accompanying circumstance relating to the action of the sentence. Smyth 2054-2057

oi a)/nqrwpoi lipo/ntes th\n o(do\n feu/gontes o)li/goi a)pe/qnh|skon Xen. Anab. 4.2.7; by leaving the road and making off only a few were killed

Circumstantial - Temporal: A circumstantial participle can denote a temporal relationship. Smyth 2061

a)kou/sasi toi=s strathgoi=s tau=ta e)/doce to\ stra/teuma sunagagei=n Xen. Anab. 4.4.19; on hearing this it seemed best to the generals to collect the troops

Circumstantial - Manner: A circumstantial participle can denote the manner of an action. Smyth 2062

parh/launon tetagme/noi Xen. Anab. 1.2.16; they marched past in order

Circumstantial - Means: A circumstantial participle can denote the means of an action. Smyth 2063

lh|zo/menoi cw=si Xen. Cyrop. 3.2.25; they live by pillaging

Circumstantial - Cause: A circumstantial participle can denote the cause of an action. A causal participle accompanied by the particles a(/te, oi(=a or oi(=on expresses the authority of the author. A causal participle accompanied by the particle w(s expresses the authority of the subject of the sentence. Smyth 2064

oi( ga\r *ko/lxoi, a(/te e)kpeptwko/tes tw=n oi)kiw=n, polloi\ h)=san a(qro/oi Xen. Anab. 5.2.1; for the Colchians, since they had been driven out of their houses, were now gathered together in one great body

e)qanatw/qh u(po\ tw=n e)n *spa/rth| telw=n w(s a)peiqw=n Xen. Anab. 2.6.4; As a result he was condemned to death by the authorities at Sparta on the ground of disobedience

Circumstantial - Purpose: The future participle accompanied by w(s can denote the purpose of an action. Smyth 2065

prope/myantes kh/ruka po/lemon proerou=nta Thuc. 1.29; having sent a herald in advance to proclaim war

Circumstantial - Concession: A circumstantial participle can have concessive force. Smyth 2066

polloi\ ga\r o)/ntes eu)genei=s ei)sin kakoi/ Eur. El. 551; for many, albeit noble by birth, are ignoble

Circumstantial - Condition: A circumstantial participle can have conditional force. The negative of circumstantial participles is mh/. Smyth 2067

su\ de\ klu/wn ei)/sei ta/xa Aristoph. Birds 1390; but if you listen you shall soon know

Genitive Absolute: A circumstantial participle in the genitive agreeing with a noun or a pronoun that is not related to the construction of the main sentence is a genitive absolute. A genitive absolute can express the same relationships as other circumstantial participles. Smyth 2070-2075

tou=to de\ le/gontos au)tou= pta/rnutai/ tis Xen. Anab. 3.2.9; As he was saying this, someone sneezed

Accusative Absolute: A circumstantial participle of an impersonal verb in the accusative agreeing with a noun or a pronoun not related to the construction of the main sentence is an accusative absolute. An accusative absolute can express the same relationships as other circumstantial participles. Smyth 2076-2078

do/can de\ tau=ta e)kh/rucan ou(/tw poiei=n Xen. Anab. 4.1.13; Having decided this, they proclaimed that they should do so

Supplementary Participle: The supplementary participle completes the meaning of verbs that denote beginning and ceasing and the verbs lanya/nw, fya/nw and tugxa/nw. Smyth 2088-2105

a)/rista tugxa/nousi pra/cantes Isoc. 4.103; they happen to have fared the best

In Indirect Discourse: The participle can be used to represent a finite verb in indirect discourse after verbs expressing the idea of knowing, learning, remembering, or showing (oi)=da, gignw/skw, e)pi/stamai, e)nnow=, manqa/nw, (ou)k) a)gnow=, me/mnhmai, e)pilanqa/nomai, dhlw=, (e)pi)dei/knumi, fai/nw, a)pofai/nw, fai/nomai, e)/oika, (e)c)e)le/gxw, o(mologw=, a)gge/llw, and poiw=). Smyth 2106-2115

me/mnhmai *kriti/a| tw=|de cuno/nta se Plat. Charm. 156a; I remember that you were in company with Critias here

Sources Cited Bevier, L. Brief Greek Syntax. New York: 1903. Hansen, H. and G. Quinn. Greek: An Intensive Course. New York: Fordham University Press, 1992. Kühner, R. and B. Gerth. Ausführliche Grammatik der Griechischen Sprache. Hannover: 1898. Mastronarde, D. Introduction to Attic Greek. Berkeley: 1993. Smyth, H. Greek Grammar. Cambridge: 1920.