Verbs: Mood
Indicative
The indicative mood expresses simple statements or questions of fact.- Specific Indicative: The Indicative mood is used to express a fact or to ask a question anticipating a fact. Smyth 1770-1773
“ἐνταῦθ᾽ ἔμεινεν ἡμέρας πέντε” Xen. Anab. 1.2.11; He remained there for five days
- In Purpose or Final Clauses: The future indicative can be used in place of the subjunctive or optative in purpose clauses (Most common in poetry). Smyth 2203
“οὐδὲ δι᾽ ἓν ἄλλο τρέφονται ἢ ὅπως μαχοῦνται” Xen. Cyrop. 2.1.21; nor are they maintained for any other single purpose than for fighting
- In Object Clauses of Effort: The future indicative can be used in object clauses introduced by ὅπως or ὅπως μή following verbs that signify attempting or planning. Smyth 2209-2211
“ἔπρασσον ὅπως τις βοήθεια ἥξει” Thuc. 3.4 they were managing (this, that) how some reinforcements should come
- In Fear Clauses: The future indicative can sometimes be used in place of the subjunctive in object clauses introduced by ὅπως μή following verbs that signify fear of something in the future. The indicative is also used in clauses that signify fear of something in the present or the past. Smyth 2231
Dem. 9.75 “δέδοικα ὅπως μὴ . . . ἀνάγκη γενήσεται （v. l. γένηται）” I fear lest a necessity may arise
- In Causal Clauses: The indicative is used in causal clauses expressing a factual cause after both primary and secondary tenses. The negative is οὐ. Causal clauses are introduced by ὅτι, διότι, διόπερ, ἐπεί, ἐπειδή, ὅτε, ὁπότε and ὡς. Smyth 2240-2242
“ἐπεὶ δὲ ὑμεῖς οὐ βούλεσθε συμπορεύεσθαι, ἀνάγκη δή μοι ἢ ὑμᾶς προδόντα τῇ Κύρου φιλίᾳ χρῆσθαι κτλ.” Xen. Anab. 1.3.5; but since you do not wish to continue the march with me, I must either retain the friendship of Cyrus by renouncing you, etc.
- In Consecutive or Result Clauses: A result clause introduced by ὥστε expressing the idea of an actual result is expressed by the indicative. Smyth 2274-2278
“οὕτω διάκειμαι ὑφ᾽ ὑμῶν ὡστε οὐδὲ δεῖπνον ἔχω ἐν τῇ ἐμαυτοῦ χώρᾳ” Xen. Hell. 4.1.33; I am treated by you in such a manner that I cannot even sup in my own country
- In Temporal Clauses: The indicative is used in temporal clauses to denote a factual occurrence on a definite occasion in the present or the past. The negative is οὐ. Smyth 2395-2397
“ὅτε ταῦτα ἦν, σχεδὸν μέσαι ἦσαν νύκτες” Xen. Anab. 3.1.33; it was about midnight when this was taking place
- In Indirect Discourse: The indicative is used in indirect discourse introduced by ὅτι or ὡς following a verb in primary sequence. The indicative may also be retained following a verb in secondary sequence. Smyth 2614-2615
“λέγει δ᾽ ὡς ὑβριστής εἰμι” Lys. 24.15; he says that I am an insolent person
- Present Simple Conditions: The present or perfect indicative stands in the protasis of present simple conditions. The present or perfect indicative stands in the apodosis. Smyth 2298-2301
“εἰ οὖν βούλεσθε, ἔξεστιν ὑμῖν ἡμᾶς λαβεῖν ξυμμάχους” Xen. Anab. 5.4.6; If you wish, you can take us as allies
- Present Contrafactual Conditions: The imperfect indicative stands in the protasis of present contrafactual conditions. The imperfect indicative with ἄν stands in the apodosis. Smyth 2302-2312
“εἰ γὰρ ἐκήδου, ἧκες ἂν φέρων πλήρη τὸν μισθὸν” Xen. Anab. 7.5.5; If you were troubled, you would have come with full pay
- Present General Conditions: The subjunctive with ἐάν stands in the protasis of present general conditions. The present indicative stands in the apodosis Smyth 2337-2339
“ἀδικοῦντα, ἢν λάβῃς, κολάζεις;” Xen. Cyrop. 3.1.11; Do you punish a wrong-doer if you catch him?
- Past Simple Conditions: The imperfect, aorist, or pluperfect indicative stands in the protasis and apodosis of past simple conditions. Smyth 2298-2301
“εἴ τέ τι ἄλλο . . . ἐγένετο ἐπικίνδυνον τοῖς Ἕλλησι, πάντων . . . μετέσχομεν” Thuc. 3.54; and if any other danger befell the Greeks, we took our share in all
- Past Contrafactual Conditions: The aorist or imperfect indicative stands in the protasis of past contrafactual conditions. The aorist or imperfect indicative with ἄν stands in the apodosis. Smyth 2302-2312
“οὐκ ἂν ἐποίησεν Ἀγασίας ταῦτα, εἰ μὴ ἐγὼ αὐτὸν ἐκέλευσα” Xen. Anab. 6.6.15; Agasias would not have done this, if I had not commanded him
- Past General Conditions: The optative with εἰ stands in the protasis of past general conditions. The imperfect indicative stands in the apodosis. Smyth 2340-2341
“εἰ δέ τις καὶ ἀντείποι, εὐθὺς . . . ἐτεθνήκει” Thuc. 8.66; but if any one even made an objection, he was promptly put to death
- Future More Vivid Conditions: The subjunctive with ἐάν stands in the protasis of future more vivid conditions. The future indicative stands in the apodosis. Smyth 2323-2327
“τί ἔσται τοῖς στρατιώταις, ἐὰν αὐτῷ ταῦτα χαρίσωνται” Xen. Anab. 2.1.10; What will the soldiers have, if they oblige him in this?
- Future Most Vivid Conditions: The future indicative stands in the protasis and apodosis of future most vivid conditions. Smyth 2328
“ἀποκτενεῖς γάρ, εἴ με γῆς ἔξω βαλεῖς” Eur. Phoen. 1621; for you will slay me if you cast me out of the land
Subjunctive
The meaning of the subjunctive mood varies according to its context.- Hortatory: The subjunctive without ἄν is used in exhortations. The negative is μή Smyth 1797-1799
“ἄγε σκοπῶμεν” Xen. Cyrop. 5.5.15; come let us consider
- Prohibitive: The second or third person aorist subjunctive without ἄν is used in prohibitions. The negative is μή. Smyth 1800
“μηδὲν ἀθυμήσητε” Xen. Anab. 5.4.19; do not lose heart
- Deliberative: The first person subjunctive is used when a speaker questions what she or he should do. The negative is μή. Smyth 1805-1808
“τί δράσω; ποῖ φύγω;” Eur. Med. 1271; what am I to do? whither shall I fly?
- Hesitating Assertion: The subjunctive with μή can express a doubtful assertion. With μή οὐ it expresses a doubtful denial. Smyth 1801-1804
“μὴ ἀγροικότερον ᾖ τὸ ἀληθὲς εἰπεῖν” Plat. Gorg. 462e; I suspect it's too rude to tell the truth
- In Purpose or Final Clauses: The subjunctive can be used in purpose clauses following verbs in primary sequence. Smyth 2193-2196
“κατάμενε ἵνα καὶ περὶ σοῦ βουλευσώμεθα” Xen. Anab. 6.6.28; remain behind that we may consider your case also
- In Object Clauses of Effort: The subjunctive can occasionally be used in object clauses introduced by ὅπως or ὅπως μή following verbs that signify effort. Smyth 2214
“ἔπρασσεν . . . ὅπως πόλεμος γένηται” Thuc. 1.57; he tried to bring it about that war should be occasioned
- In Fear Clauses: The subjunctive is used in object clauses introduced by μή following verbs in primary sequence that signify fear. Smyth 2225-2232
“δέδοικα μὴ . . . ἐπιλαθώμεθα τῆς οἴκαδε ὁδοῦ” Xen. Anab. 3.2.25; I am afraid lest we may forget the way home
- In Temporal Clauses: The subjunctive is used with ἄν in temporal clauses referring to the future, corresponding in sense to the future more vivid condition. The negative is μή. Smyth 2401-2403
“ἐπειδὰν ἅπαντ᾽ ἀκούσητε, κρίνατε” Dem. 4.14; when you have heard everything, decide
- Present General Conditions: The subjunctive with ἐάν stands in the protasis of present general conditions. The present indicative stands in the apodosis Smyth 2297
“ἀδικοῦντα, ἢν λάβῃς, κολάζεις;” Xen. Cyrop. 3.1.11; Do you punish a wrong-doer if you catch him?
- Future More Vivid Conditions: The subjunctive with ἐάν stands in the protasis of future more vivid conditions. The future indicative stands in the apodosis. Smyth 2323-2327
“τί ἔσται τοῖς στρατιώταις, ἐὰν αὐτῷ ταῦτα χαρίσωνται” Xen. Anab. 2.1.10; What will the soldiers have, if they oblige him in this?
Optative
The meaning of the optative mood varies according to its context.- Optative of Wish: The optative without ἄν can be used to express a wish. Smyth 1814-1819
“ὦ παῖ, γένοιο πατρὸς εὐτυχέστερος” Soph. Aj. 550; ah, boy, mayest thou prove more fortunate than thy sire
- Potential Optative: The optative with ἄν can be used to express a future possibility. Smyth 1824-1834
“γνοίης δ᾽ ἂν ὅτι τοῦθ᾽ οὕτως ἔχει” Xen. Cyrop. 1.6.21; you may see that this is so
- Imperative Optative: The optative without ἄν can be used to express an imperative command. Smyth 1820
“Χειρίσοφος ἡγοῖτο” Xen. Anab. 3.2.37; let Chirisophus lead
- In Purpose or Final Clauses: The optative can be used in purpose clauses following verbs in secondary sequence. Smyth 2193-2196
“καὶ ἅμα ταῦτ᾽ εἰπὼν ἀνέστη ὡς μὴ μέλλοιτο ἀλλὰ περαίνοιτο τὰ δέοντα” Xen. Anab. 3.1.47; and with these words on his lips he stood up in order that what was needful might not be delayed but be done at once
- In Object Clauses of Effort: The optative with ὅπως is sometimes used following a verb of effort in place of the future indicative. Smyth 2211-2212
“ἐπεμέλετο ὅπως μήτε ἄσιτοι μήτε ἄποτοί ποτε ἔσοιντο” Xen. Cyrop. 8.1.43; he took care that they should never be without food or drink
- In Fear Clauses: The optative is used in object clauses introduced by μή following secondary verbs that signify fear. Smyth 2225-2232
“ἔδεισαν οἱ ῞ Ελληνες μὴ προσάγοιεν πρὸς τὸ κέρας καὶ . . . αὐτοὺς κατακόψειαν” Xen. Anab. 1.10.9; the Greeks were seized with fear lest they might advance against their flank and cut them down
- In Causal Clauses: Causal clauses expressing a reported cause take the optative after a secondary tense. Smyth 2240-2242
“（οἱ Ἀθηναῖοι） τὸν Περικλέα ἐκάκιζον ὅτι στρατηγὸς ὢν οὐκ ἐπεξάγοι” Thuc. 2.21; the Athenians reviled Pericles on the ground that, though he was general, he did not lead them out
- In Temporal Clauses: The optative is used without ἄν in temporal clauses referring to the future, corresponding in sense to the future less vivid condition. The negative is μή. Smyth 2404-2408
“δέοιτό γ᾽ ἂν αὐτοῦ μένειν, ἕως ἀπέλθοις” Xen. Cyrop. 5.3.13; he would beg him to remain until you should depart
- In Indirect Discourse: The optative can be used in indirect discourse introduced by ὅτι or ὡς following a verb in secondary sequence. Smyth 2614-2615
“ἔγνωσαν ὅτι κενὸς ὁ φόβος εἴη” Xen. Anab. 2.2.21; they recognized that their fear was groundless
- Past General Conditions: The optative with εἰ stands in the protasis of past general conditions. The imperfect indicative stands in the apodosis. Smyth 2340-2341
“εἰ δέ τις καὶ ἀντείποι, εὐθὺς . . . ἐτεθνήκει” Thuc. 8.66; but if any one even made an objection, he was promptly put to death
- Future Less Vivid Conditions: The optative with εἰ stands in the protasis of future less vivid conditions. The optative with ἄν stands in the apodosis. Smyth 2329-2334
“δεινὰ ἂν εἴην εἰργασμένος, . . . εἰ λίποιμι τὴν τάξιν” Plat. Apol. 28d; I should be in the state of having committed a dreadful deed, if I were to desert my post
Imperative
The imperative mood is used to express commands and prohibitions.- Commands: The imperative is used to express commands. Smyth 1836-1839
“ἄγε δὴ ἀκούσατε” Xen. Apol. 14; come listen
- Prohibitions: The imperative with μή is used to express prohibitions. Smyth 1840-1844
“μὴ μαινώμεθα μηδ᾽ αἰσχρῶς ἀπολώμεθα” Xen. Anab. 7.1.29; let us not act like madmen nor perish disgracefully
Infinitive
The infinitive is a verbal noun. It is verbal in that it is formed from a verbal stem, modified by adverbs, and admits the constructions of a finite verb. It is a noun in that it can be the subject or object of a verb, and can exhibit case syntax.- Subject: The infinitive can serve as the subject of a verb, particularly impersonal verbs such as δεῖ. Smyth 1984-1988
“συμφέρει αὐτοῖς φίλους εἶναι” Xen. Ec. 11.23; it is for their interest to be friends
- Object: The infinitive can serve as the object of verbs that imply a supplementary action. Smyth 1989-1990
“παίδευσις καλὴ διδάσκει χρῆσθαι νόμοις” Xen. Hunt. 12.14; a good education teaches obedience to the laws
- Complementary: The infinitive can complement adjectives, adverbs, and substantives that imply ability or suitability. Smyth 2000-2007
“δεινὸς λέγειν, κακὸς βιῶναι” Aeschin. 3.174; skilled in speaking, evil in life
- Purpose: The infinitive can express purpose, particularly after verbs implying choosing or giving. Smyth 2008-2011
“παρέχω ἐμαυτὸν ἐρωτᾶν” Plat. Apol. 33b; I offer myself to be questioned
- In Consecutive/Result Clauses: A result clause introduced by ὥστε expressing the idea that something was intended to or could occur as a natural result of an action is expressed by the infinitive. Smyth 2258-2272
“ἔχω τριή̀ρεις ὥστε ἑλεῖν τὸ ἐκείνων πλοῖον” Xen. Anab. 1.4.8; I have triremes (so as) to catch their vessel
- Absolute: The infinitive can be used absolutely in parenthetical phrases. Smyth 2012
“ἀληθές γε ὡς ἔπος εἰπεῖν οὐδὲν εἰρήκασιν” Plat. Apol. 17a not one word of truth, I may say, did they utter
- Imperative: The infinitive can be used to express a command. Smyth 2013
“ἀκούετε λεῴ: κατὰ τὰ πάτρια τοὺς χόας πίνειν” Aristoph. Ach. 1000; hear ye, good people! drink the Pitchers as our sires drank!
- Exclamatory: The infinitive can be used absolutely in exclamations. Smyth 2015
“ἐμὲ παθεῖν τάδε” Aesch. Eum. 837; that I should suffer this!
- Wishes: The infinitive can be used in place of an optative of wish. Smyth 2014
“ὦ Ζεῦ, ἐκγενέσθαι μοι Ἀθηναίους τείσασθαι” Hdt. 5.105; oh Zeus, that it be granted to me to punish the Athenians!
- In Indirect Discourse: The infinitive can be used in to represent a finite verb in indirect discourse after verbs expressing the idea of saying, believing, and thinking. Smyth 2616-2024
“ἔφη ἢ ἄξειν Λακεδαιμονίους ἢ αὐτοῦ ἀποκτενεῖν” Thuc. 4.28; he said that he would either bring the Lacedaemonians or kill them on the spot
- Articular Infinitive: The infinitive can be used with the article as if it were a noun. Smyth 2025-2037
“ἀνίη καὶ τὸ φυλάσσειν” Hom. Od. 20.52; to watch is also trouble
Participle
Participles are verbal adjectives. Participles are like adjectives in that:- 1. they have both case and number,
- 2. they can modify other nouns and pronouns.
Participles are like verbs in that:
- 1. they are formed from verb stems,
- 2. they have both voice and tense (although tense only signifies aspect),
- 3. they can take both an object and an indirect object,
- 4. they are modified by adverbs.
- Attributive: A participle with an article in the attributive position functions as an adjective. Smyth 2049-2053
“ὁ ἐφεστηκὼς κίνδυνος τῇ πόλει” Dem. 18.176; the danger impending over the State
- Circumstantial: A participle not in the attributive position can describe an accompanying circumstance relating to the action of the sentence. Smyth 2054-2057
“οι ἄνθρωποι λιπόντες τὴν ὁδὸν φεύγοντες ὀλίγοι ἀπέθνῃσκον” Xen. Anab. 4.2.7; by leaving the road and making off only a few were killed
- Circumstantial - Temporal: A circumstantial participle can denote a temporal relationship. Smyth 2061
“ἀκούσασι τοῖς στρατηγοῖς ταῦτα ἔδοξε τὸ στράτευμα συναγαγεῖν” Xen. Anab. 4.4.19; on hearing this it seemed best to the generals to collect the troops
- Circumstantial - Manner: A circumstantial participle can denote the manner of an action. Smyth 2062
“παρήλαυνον τεταγμένοι” Xen. Anab. 1.2.16; they marched past in order
- Circumstantial - Means: A circumstantial participle can denote the means of an action. Smyth 2063
“λῃζόμενοι ξῶσι” Xen. Cyrop. 3.2.25; they live by pillaging
- Circumstantial - Cause: A circumstantial participle can denote the cause of an action. A causal participle accompanied by the particles ἅτε, οἷα or οἷον expresses the authority of the author. A causal participle accompanied by the particle ὡς expresses the authority of the subject of the sentence. Smyth 2064
“οἱ γὰρ Κόλχοι, ἅτε ἐκπεπτωκότες τῶν οἰκιῶν, πολλοὶ ἦσαν ἁθρόοι” Xen. Anab. 5.2.1; for the Colchians, since they had been driven out of their houses, were now gathered together in one great body
“ἐθανατώθη ὑπὸ τῶν ἐν Σπάρτῃ τελῶν ὡς ἀπειθῶν” Xen. Anab. 2.6.4; As a result he was condemned to death by the authorities at Sparta on the ground of disobedience
- Circumstantial - Purpose: The future participle accompanied by ὡς can denote the purpose of an action. Smyth 2065
“προπέμψαντες κήρυκα πόλεμον προεροῦντα” Thuc. 1.29; having sent a herald in advance to proclaim war
- Circumstantial - Concession: A circumstantial participle can have concessive force. Smyth 2066
“πολλοὶ γὰρ ὄντες εὐγενεῖς εἰσιν κακοί” Eur. El. 551; for many, albeit noble by birth, are ignoble
- Circumstantial - Condition: A circumstantial participle can have conditional force. The negative of circumstantial participles is μή. Smyth 2067
“σὺ δὲ κλύων εἴσει τάχα” Aristoph. Birds 1390; but if you listen you shall soon know
- Genitive Absolute: A circumstantial participle in the genitive agreeing with a noun or a pronoun that is not related to the construction of the main sentence is a genitive absolute. A genitive absolute can express the same relationships as other circumstantial participles. Smyth 2070-2075
“τοῦτο δὲ λέγοντος αὐτοῦ πτάρνυταί τις” Xen. Anab. 3.2.9; As he was saying this, someone sneezed
- Accusative Absolute: A circumstantial participle of an impersonal verb in the accusative agreeing with a noun or a pronoun not related to the construction of the main sentence is an accusative absolute. An accusative absolute can express the same relationships as other circumstantial participles. Smyth 2076-2078
“δόξαν δὲ ταῦτα ἐκήρυξαν οὕτω ποιεῖν” Xen. Anab. 4.1.13; Having decided this, they proclaimed that they should do so
- Supplementary Participle: The supplementary participle completes the meaning of verbs that denote beginning and ceasing and the verbs λανψάνω, φψάνω and τυγχάνω. Smyth 2088-2105
“ἄριστα τυγχάνουσι πράξαντες” Isoc. 4.103; they happen to have fared the best
- In Indirect Discourse: The participle can be used to represent a finite verb in indirect discourse after verbs expressing the idea of knowing, learning, remembering, or showing (οἶδα, γιγνώσκω, ἐπίσταμαι, ἐννοῶ, μανθάνω, ῾οὐκ̓ ἀγνοῶ, μέμνημαι, ἐπιλανθάνομαι, δηλῶ, ῾ἐπἰδείκνυμι, φαίνω, ἀποφαίνω, φαίνομαι, ἔοικα, ῾ἐξ̓ἐλέγχω, ὁμολογῶ, ἀγγέλλω, and ποιῶ). Smyth 2106-2115
“μέμνημαι Κριτίᾳ τῷδε ξυνόντα σε” Plat. Charm. 156a; I remember that you were in company with Critias here
