TEMPORAL CLAUSES

 

Latin uses the particles ubi, postquam, and cum to express time clauses in the past.  If the clause simply establishes the time when an action took place, the indicative is used.  However, if a clause expresses the circumstances surrounding a past action, the imperfect or pluperfect subjunctive is used.

 

 

EXAMPLES:

 

            Simple statements of time:

 

 

Cum puer eram, Augustus hostes superavit.

 

                                    When I was a boy, Augustus conquered the enemies.

 

Postquam matri “vale” dixit, e domo excessit.

 

                                    After he said “farewell” to mother, he departed from the house.

 

 

 

            Statements expressing circumstances:

 

 

                        Cum puer esset, mater omnia faciebat.

 

                                    When he was a boy, his mother used to do everything.

                                    (Since he was a boy, his mother used to do everything.)*

 

                        Cum alios magistros audivissem, meum magistrum contempsi.

 

                                    When I had heard the other teachers, I despised my teacher.

                                    (Although I had heard other teachers, I despised my teacher.)

 

           

*NOTE:  Cum clauses using the subjunctive can be temporal, concessive, or causal.  Depending upon the context, cum can be translated as when, since, or although.