Uses of Oblique Cases
The Accusative Case
1 - Accusative of the Object of a Verb
• Direct object - the thing directly affected by the verb.
• Accusative of result - a thing brought into existence by the verb
(eg a poem)
• Internal object - a thing which cannot exist outside of the verb
taking place (eg. living your life)
Note - sometimes more than one accusative can be governed by
the same verb.
2 - Internal Accusative with Adjectives
• A copula (‘to be’) + an adjective (eg σοφος ἐστιν - he is wise)
3 - Extent of Space + Duration of Time
• The space over which a motion takes place
• Duration of time, or ‘time how long’, is expressed in the
accusative
4 - Accusative of Respect
• Used to express the thing in respect to which an adjective/verb
phrase is applicable
◦ οἰ Ἀθεναιοι διαφερουσι την σοφιαν - The Athenians excel
in wisdom
◦ ποδας ὠκυς - swift-footed (lit. ‘swift with respect to the
feet’)
The Accusative Case
1 - Accusative of the Object of a Verb
• Direct object - the thing directly affected by the verb.
• Accusative of result - a thing brought into existence by the verb
(eg a poem)
• Internal object - a thing which cannot exist outside of the verb
taking place (eg. living your life)
Note - sometimes more than one accusative can be governed by
the same verb.
2 - Internal Accusative with Adjectives
• A copula (‘to be’) + an adjective (eg σοφος ἐστιν - he is wise)
3 - Extent of Space + Duration of Time
• The space over which a motion takes place
• Duration of time, or ‘time how long’, is expressed in the
accusative
4 - Accusative of Respect
• Used to express the thing in respect to which an adjective/verb
phrase is applicable
◦ οἰ Ἀθεναιοι διαφερουσι την σοφιαν - The Athenians excel
in wisdom
◦ ποδας ὠκυς - swift-footed (lit. ‘swift with respect to the
feet’)
