Thomas Aquinas

On Studies

Latin Grammar: cum clauses
Vel ideo hae inter ceteras scientias artes dicuntur, quia non solum habent cognitionem, sed opus aliquod, quod est immediate ipsius rationis, ut constructionem syllogismi vel orationem formare, numerare, mensurare, melodias formare et cursus siderum computare. Aliae vero scientiae vel non habent opus, sed cognitionem tantum, sicut scientia divina et naturalis; unde nomen artis habere non possunt, cum ars dicatur ratio factiva, ut dicitur in VI metaphysicae. Vel habent opus corporale, sicut medicina, alchimia et aliae huiusmodi.

In addition to acting as an preposition, cum can serve as a conjunction. When cum is followed by an indicative verb, the clause becomes temporal and cum is translated as "when." If, however, cum is followed by a subjunctive as above, it can mark three types of clauses:

  • Circumstantial clause: cum is translated as "when" and the clause explains the basic circumstances in which the main verb occured.
  • Causal clause: cum is translated "since" or "because" and the clause explains the circumstances that resulted in the main verb.
  • Adversative clause: cum is translated "although" and the clause explains actions that are in some way opposed to the main verb. This usage is often marked by tamen, "nevertheless," in the main clause.

Translate the following English sentences into Latin using cum clauses.

1. Although he had said this, we left. .

2. Since he had said this, we left. .

3. When he had said this, we left. .

4. Although he had read the book, he said this. .

5. Since he had read the book, he said this. .

6. When he had read the book, he said this. .

Make this exercise printable