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Latin Verbs - Internal Vowel

The thematic vowel in the interior of the verb

By , About.com Guide

For Latin verbs, the endings are consistent across the conjugations, but the vowel to which the ending is attached varies, depending on the conjugation (I, II, III, III io, and IV). Because of this, it is easy to mistranslate, to select the wrong verb entirely, or mistake a subjunctive for an indicative. Here's a PDF diagram showing the conjugations, tenses, and thematic vowels. For more on Latin thematic vowels, see Beginning Latin Grammar, Chapters 1, 8, and 10. Here are some basic guidelines for the thematic vowels in verbs:
  • the vowel A
    • an a is the thematic vowel for a I conjugation verb, as is seen in the present indicative.

      • (Amas is 2d sing. act. pres. ind.)

    • an a marks the conjugation present subjunctive for the II, III, III io, and IV conjugations.

      • (Moneas is 2d sing. act. pres. subj.)

    • an a marks the 1st sing. active or passive future for the III, III io, and IV conjugations. [See note for I and II conjugations]
  • the vowel E
    • an e (long) is the thematic vowel for a II conjugation verb, as is seen in the present indicative, active or passive.

      • (Monet is 3d sing. act. pres. ind.)

    • an e marks a III, III io, and IV conjugation verb in the future indicative, active or passive.

      • (Ducemus is 1st pl. act. fut.)

    • an e marks the present indicative passive (or deponent) 2d singular for III, III io.
    • an e marks a I conjugation verb in the sunjunctive, active or passive.

      • (Amem is 1st sing. act. pres. subj.)

  • the vowel I
    • an i is the thematic vowel for a III, III io, and IV verb, as is seen in the present indicative, active or passive.

      (Capit, 3d sing. act. pres. ind.)

    Note: For the first and second conjugations, the future indicative is easily recognized by an internal "b," which may precede an o, i, or u.

    Index of Quick Tips on Latin Verbs

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