Declension of the Latin present participle in connection with its syntactico-semantic use
H. C. Walvoort
Abstract This paper deals with the declension of Latin present active participle (ppa), which shows several inconsistencies: ablative singular for instance may end in - e or i ( sapiente, sapienti ) and genitive plural um ium sapientum, sapientium ). Some grammarians, notably modern ones, assume that there are syntactico-semantic considerations circumstances, leading to ending when verbal force is intended (such as absolute) substantival force, nominal, adjectival force. I have investigated whether ancient, medieval grammarians treat such a phenomenon. In addition, looked inconsistencies grammarian’s own ppa from this point view. It turns out ancient do not formulate according its function, exception anonymous author Ars Ambrosiana , nor they decline their ppa’s conventional rule kind. calls other explanations regarding declensional observed. forms reflect temporary phenomenon would disappeared due course through diachronic evolution paradigm leveling. persisted because frequency idiomatic compelling analogy words phrases. But these variations appear conform rule.
Journal of Latin Linguistics