| The ablative without a preposition is used to express by
what agent the action of a verb is done. It generally is used, however, in the case of
inanimate objects used to perform the action. This is an
adverbial ablative use that does not require a preposition in Latin.
Here are some examples:
me gladio vuleravit, "he wounded me with a sword (by means of a sword)". The action of wounding (performed by the subject) is done with the sword. The sword is the means by which the wounding is done. pilis ludebant, "he played with the balls" ad urbem pedibus ibant, "they went to the city on foot" The ablative of means is usually an inanimate object. When an animate person or animal is the agent, then the ablative of agent is used. |
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Last Updated March 18, 2003 Questions, comments and corrections should be sent to Brian K. Harvey, Kent State University |
