The Ablative Case
Completing the five main cases - 'by', 'with', and 'from'
What is the Ablative Case?
The ablative case is the last of the five main Latin cases. It has a range of uses and meanings. When it appears by itself (without a preposition), it can mean 'by', 'with', or 'from'.
The term "ablative" comes from part of a Latin verb meaning "I take away". This captures one important thing the ablative expresses: the idea of separation - things being taken away or moved from somewhere.
Complete Case Table
Now we can put together a complete table with all five main Latin cases. This is the complete paradigm that you'll need to know like the back of your hand! Click to reveal each ending:
| Number | Case | 1st Declension (f.) | 2nd Declension (m.) | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Singular | Nominative |
puell-a
|
domin-us
|
Subject
|
| Accusative |
puell-am
|
domin-um
|
Object
|
|
| Genitive |
puell-ae
|
domin-i
|
Of
|
|
| Dative |
puell-ae
|
domin-o
|
To, for
|
|
| Ablative |
puell-ā
|
domin-o
|
By, with, from
|
|
| Plural | Nominative |
puell-ae
|
domin-i
|
Subject (plural)
|
| Accusative |
puell-as
|
domin-os
|
Object (plural)
|
|
| Genitive |
puell-arum
|
domin-orum
|
Of (plural)
|
|
| Dative |
puell-is
|
domin-is
|
To, for (plural)
|
|
| Ablative |
puell-is
|
domin-is
|
By, with, from (plural)
|
- The ā in puell-ā is pronounced long (unlike the short a in the nominative)
- Dative and ablative singular of dominus are identical: domin-o
- Dative and ablative plural are the same for both declensions: -is
The Ablative of Instrument
On its own, the ablative can only be used with inanimate objects (non-living things). This is called the ablative of instrument - it shows what tool or method is used to do something.
Word Order with the Ablative
The ablative usually comes after the dative and before any adverbs and the verb. Here's the standard Latin word order pattern:
Practice Examples
Let's see the ablative in action! Click each sentence to reveal the breakdown and translation. Pay attention to what tools or instruments are being used:
Memorising the Complete Paradigm
"You will never know this table well enough!" It is of paramount importance that you commit the complete case table to memory. You must be able to analyse any Latin noun according to its ending and context.