Direct Object Forms

Magister HendersonLatin I

Direct Object Definition

• A direct object is a noun or pronoun that follows a transitive verb.

• A transitive verb is a verb that performs action upon an object or objects.

• The other two types of verbs are linking verbs, which connect a subject to a predicate compliment and intransitive verbs, which expresses an action that requires no object.

English ExamplesType of Verb Example

Linking Verb They are students.

Transitive Verb The student reads the book.

Intransitive Verb The students learn.

In the first example, the verb “are” links the subject to its predicate compliment, functioning like an equals sign.

In the second example, the verb “reads” describes the action the student performs upon the object.

In the third sentence, the verb “learn” requires no object.

Direct Objects in Latin

• Direct objects in Latin often end in –m.• Depending on the class of the noun the

ending may be –am, -um, or –em.

Feminine Masculine Masculine Feminine

Subject puella servus puer māter

Direct Object puellam servum puerum mātrem

This last class of noun, also includes some masculine nouns that take a direct object in –em, such as: pater patrem.

Latin Word Order

• Because endings show meaning in Latin rather than word order, Latin is verb flexible in its composition.

• Consider the following sentences:

Puer puellam videt.Videt puer puellam.Puellam puer videt.Videt puellam puer.

All four of these sentences mean: “The boy sees the girl.”