43 Ablative of Means

“Now there is something very important to know about the ablative in Latin. An ablative noun will often have no preposition with it – especially in poetry, or fancy prose. In that case you must add one to your English translation. The most commonly added prepositions are ‘From’, ‘With’, ‘In’, or ‘By’. F.W.I.B., remember that!”

“When you want to explain in Latin what TOOL OR TECHNIQUE you are using to accomplish a job, use the Ablative without a preposition. When this is translated into English, use the preposition ‘by’ or ‘with’, or the word ‘using’. This use of the ablative is called Ablative of Means:”

Ablative of Means, Examples (E)

vōcibus meīswith/by/using my words mīlitibus eōrumwith/by/using their soldiers manūby hand

Sīc Lucrētius vōcibus tē aliquid dē morte docēbit. (7)

Īgnī sanguineque Catilīna mortem Senātuī parābat. (8)

Dux magnō numerō mīlitum et glōriam et fāmam parat. (9) “Remember that when you have two et’s, they mean ‘both’ and ‘and’.” By my labors I will preserve the city, if it is possible. (10)

The enemies were holding the position (locum) with knights and soldiers. (11)