Verbs With Prefixes and the Dative

Level 5

A verb with a prefix often takes the dative of the person or thing.

How It Works

PrefixVerbExample
ad-adsum (I am present)Marcus amicis adest.
ad-assideo (I sit beside)Mater filiae assidet.
prae-praesum (I am in charge of)Caesar exercitui praeest.
pro-prosum (I help)Hoc consilium nobis prodest.
sub-subvenio (I come to help)Marcus amico subvenit.

Not every compound takes the dative. Some stay transitive and take the accusative: adeo (I approach) has urbem adit, he approaches the city.

Use the dative when the prefix and the verb together mean being at, over or under a person or thing. Check a dictionary for the case of each verb.

Examples (5)

  1. Marcus amicis adest.

    Marcus is present with his friends.

    Adest is a compound of sum. Amicis is the dative.

  2. Caesar exercitui praeest.

    Caesar is in charge of the army.

    Praeest is a compound of sum. Exercitui is the dative.

  3. Hoc consilium nobis prodest.

    This advice helps us.

    Prodest is the form of prosum, with the dative nobis.

  4. Mater filiae assidet.

    The mother sits beside her daughter.

    Assidet is built on sedeo with ad-, and filiae is the dative.

  5. Abbas monachis praeest.

    The abbot is in charge of the monks.

    Praeest takes the dative monachis.

Common Mistakes

  • Putting the object in the accusative.

    Caesar exercitum praeest.
    Caesar exercitui praeest.

    Praesum takes the dative: exercitui. Exercitum is the accusative.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

Verbs With Prefixes and the DativeLevel 5

Learn This First

Compound verbs can take a dative.