Appendix A
117Appendix A
c. Future contrary to fact (should-would) construction: to indicate a less likely future
supposition and its assumed consequence; both clauses may take ên or ke(n). Negative of
supposition (protasis) is mÆ, of conclusion (apodosis) is oÈ.N.B. The apodosis may sometimes be more definite, using an impt. or
hortatory subj.
d. Potential: to express an opinion as to what might, could, or would happen if certain
unstated circumstances should prevail; usually takes ên or ke(n). Negative oÈ. (This
construction is equal to the apodosis of a should-would construction.)
mØ b∞te: kte¤neie gãr ken Ím°aw pãntaw.
Do not go, for he might kill all of you!
e. Expectation: a potential optative with special force, indicating what one desires or expects
to happen under assumed circumstances, and equivalent to English “can, will” rather than
“could, would, might.” Same rule as potential optative.
eÏrvm°n tina ̆w ín ≤m›n ıdÚn fa¤noi.
Let's find someone who can show us the way.
f. Past general: to indicate repeated occurrence in the past. Negative mÆ.
̃te boÊloito, §p‹ yãlassan ¶rxeto.
Whenever he wished, he came to the sea.
N.B. The main verb is ordinarily impf. ind., rarely aor.; negative oÈ.
g. Indirect questions: the verb within a question depending on a secondary main verb of
asking, knowing, etc., ordinarily shifts from the ind. (or subj.) of the direct question into
the corresponding tense of the opt., though it may stay unchanged. Negative as in direct
question form.
¶reto t¤w ≤m°aw p°mceien (p°mcen).
She asked who sent us.- IMPERATIVE (tenses indicate aspect, not time):
a. Commands: to express what one desires or orders another to do.
Negative mÆ.
mØ eÏdete: manyãnein ge peirãete.
Don't sleep; at least try to learn!- INFINITIVE (tenses indicate aspect, except in indirect discourse, where time
is indicated):
a. Complementary: after certain verbs (wishing, planning, attempting, etc.)
to complete the sense. Negative mÆ.
sofo‹ manyãnein peirãousin.
The wise attempt to learn.
b. Explanatory: to explain the sense of another word and fill out its meaning. Negative mÆ.
xalepÚn m¢n ¶rdein, afisxrÚn d¢ mØ ¶rjai.
To act is indeed difficult, but not to act is shameful.
c. Purpose: to explain why an action is done; usually follows a verb meaning “send.” Negative
mÆ.
p°mce sf°aw Ïdvr zht°ein.
She sent them to seek water.
d. As noun: subject or object of another verb. Negative mÆ.
fag°menai ka‹ énãgkh §st‹ ka‹ ≤donÆ.
Eating (to eat) is both a necessity and a pleasure.