When, Since, Although: cum
Cum means when, since or although, and the verb is subjunctive.
How It Works
| Job | Example | English |
|---|---|---|
| the scene | Cum puer in horto ambularet, avem vidit. | When the boy was walking in the garden, he saw a bird. |
| the reason | Cum fessus sis, domi manebis. | Since you are tired, you will stay at home. |
| although | Cum Marcus dives esset, tamen laborabat. | Although Marcus was rich, he still worked. |
The imperfect subjunctive shows the same time as the main verb. The pluperfect shows that the act came before it, as in Cum Marcus Romam venisset.
With the indicative, cum simply names a time: Cum Marcus venit, Iulia ridet (When Marcus comes, Iulia laughs). A tamen in the main clause is a hint that cum means although.
Examples (5)
- Cum Marcus Romam venisset, Iulia laeta erat.
When Marcus had come to Rome, Iulia was happy.
Venisset is the pluperfect subjunctive: his coming was finished first.
- Cum puer in horto ambularet, avem vidit.
When the boy was walking in the garden, he saw a bird.
Ambularet is the imperfect subjunctive and sets the scene.
- Cum fessus sis, domi manebis.
Since you are tired, you will stay at home.
Sis is the present subjunctive of sum. Cum gives the reason.
- Cum Marcus dives esset, tamen laborabat.
Although Marcus was rich, he still worked.
Tamen in the main clause shows that cum means although.
- Cum nemo adesset, sacerdos solus orabat.
When no one was there, the priest prayed alone.
Adesset is the imperfect subjunctive of adsum and sets the scene.
Common Mistakes
Using the imperfect where the pluperfect is needed.
Cum Marcus Romam veniret, Iulia laeta erat.Cum Marcus Romam venisset, Iulia laeta erat.Veniret is correct Latin for a different meaning: when Marcus was on his way to Rome. To say he had already come, use the pluperfect venisset.
How It Connects
Learn This First
Cum with the subjunctive adds meanings to cum with the indicative.
Related Patterns
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Practice When, Since, Although: cum in Bubblegum
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