Mastering the "Indirect Statement": The Latin Learner’s Greatest Hurdle

If you've moved past the basics of Latin, you've likely hit the "Indirect Statement." It's one of the most common constructions in Latin literature—and one of the most confusing for English speakers.

In English, we use "that" (e.g., "I say that he is coming"). In Latin, they use the Accusative and Infinitive. Here is how to master it.

How to Spot an Indirect Statement

An indirect statement always follows a "Head Verb"—a verb of saying, thinking, knowing, or perceiving.

• Dico (I say)
• Scio (I know)
• Puto (I think)
• Video (I see)

The Formula

Once you see a head verb, look for two things:

1. The Subject: This will be in the Accusative Case.
2. The Verb: This will be an Infinitive.

Example: Dico eum venire.

• Dico (Head verb: "I say")
• eum (Accusative subject: "him")
• venire (Infinitive verb: "to come")
• Translation: "I say that he is coming."

The "Tense" Trap

The tense of the infinitive depends on the tense of the head verb. This is often where students get tripped up.

• Present Infinitive: Happens at the same time as the head verb.
• Perfect Infinitive: Happened before the head verb.
• Future Infinitive: Will happen after the head verb.

Practice with the Text Analyzer

The best way to learn indirect statements is to see them in the wild.

1. Find a passage from Caesar or Cicero.
2. Paste it into our Text Analyzer.
3. Look for head verbs followed by an accusative and an infinitive. Our analyzer will clearly mark these parts of speech for you.

Don't let the "head verbs" get to you. Analyze your first indirect statement today.