GCSE Latin: The Ablative Absolute

An Ablative Absolute phrase is gramatically separate, but modifies the meaning of the rest of the sentence. We use this sort of phrase in English too: "They had a pleasant trip, all things considered."

How do you recognise the Ablative Absolute? Look for these features:

1. Often, but not always, the phrase is set off from the rest of the sentence with commas.
2. A grouping of two or more words in the ablative case, in these combinations: Noun or Pronoun plus participle, Two or more nouns or pronouns with some for of "esse" implied, since latin has no present or perfect participle for "esse", Noun of pronoun plus adjective with some form of "esse" implied.
3. The phrase is not linked gramatically to the other parts of the sentence. For example, there will be no preposition introducing the phrase.
4. The phrase reflects upon the action of the main clause, e.g. "When...", "Because...", "After...", "While...", "Although...", "As..." or "Since...".

Examples

nuntio misso, dux per noctem dormiebat.
= When the messenger had been sent, the general slept through the night.
duce nuntium mittente, milites sua arma paravertunt.
= With the general sending the messenger, the soldiers prepared their weapons.
eo discesso, cenae paratae sunt.
= When he had left, the dinners were prepared.
Caesare ipso legiones ducente, bellum tamen in Gallia diu gerebatur.
= With Ceasar himself leading the legions, war was being waged for a long time in Gaul.
Hannibale mortuo res publica servata est.
= With Hannibal dead, the republic was saved.
rebus novis gravibus Caesar Labienum ad Galliam misit.
= With the new being very serious, Ceasar sent Labierus to Gaul.
onmibus paratis familia ad urbem discessit.
= With everything having been prepared, the family left for the city.
Caesar Bibuloque consulibus flumen Tiberis urben inundavit.
= When Caesar and Bibulous were consolus, the river Tiberis flooded the city.

Practise on the sentences below. Most ablative absolutes are best translated with clauses introduces by whe, although, since or if.

servo accusato dominus discessit.
= When the slave was accused the master left.
= The master accused the slave and left.
oppidis nostris a barbaris captis, bellum gerebamus
= Since our towns had been captured by the barbarians, we began to wage war.
dies volentibus omnia acta erant.
= With Gods willing, everything had been done.
bello confecto milites domum redire parabant.
= With war over, the soldiers prepared to return home.

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