Algazel

On Prophecy

Latin Grammar: Present Passive Infinitives

Decimum est quod necesse est prophetam esse, et quod debet credi ipsum esse. Mundus enim non gubernatur nisi secundum regulam, quae communis est omnibus creaturis, ut per eam iuste iudicetur. Aliter interficerent se homines, et periret mundus. Et quia necessaria est pluvia ad gubernationem mundi, idcirco providentia divina non destitit attribuere caelo naturam dandi pluviam; igitur gubernatio mundi omnino eget homine, qui faciat scire modum quo aptentur homines huic mundo, et alteri. Non potest autem hoc implere omnis homo.

Present Passive Infinitives: The example above uses a present passive infinitive (credi), which is translated "be believed." The active infinitive, credere, is translated "to believe," whereas the passive infinitive, credi, is translated "to be believed." Passive infinitives are formed as follows: For the 1st, 2nd and 4th declensions, the final -e is dropped from the active infinitive and replaced with an -i. For 3rd declension verbs such as credere, which we see above, the final -ere is dropped from the active infinitive and replaced with an -i.

Fill in the each blank with a passive infinitive:

1. Omnes volunt . (amare)

     "All people want to be loved."

2. Doctrina debet quique infanti . (dare)

     "Every child should be given an education."

3. Puellae non poterant . (conprimere)

     "The girls were not able to be silenced."

4. Quia erat festus dies, epistula tua non poterat . (mittere)

     "Because it was a holiday, your letter could not be sent."

5. Propter strepitum magnum in foro, vox tua non poterat . (audire)

     "On account of the loud noise in the forum, your voice could not be heard."

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