Teachers aren't always totally candid with students about what a very hard language Latin can be. So I'm starting this series of things that you wouldn't expect to be so hard in Latin, and are often quite weird in relation to world languages in general. Truth is power, and being empowered means learning. So Number One:

Latin is one of the only known languages where it's really very easy to get nouns and verbs confused with each other.

I know many of you think Latin has too many endings. Actually, in a very real sense it has too few. So that does mean that there are quite a lot of places in Latin where the same ending can have a noun meaning on one word, but a verb meaning on another.

This is one of many places where grammar learning, vocabulary learning and contextual reading all go together. You need to be able to ask yourself:

1. Do I know this basic word? Is it a person/place/thing or an action?

2. Is this sentence missing something essential (the verb, a direct object, etc.). Could this word be it?

Never be afraid of trial and error in Latin. It's an absolutely vital skill. And don't be afraid to let your teacher and your tutor see your "failures", especially on ungraded practice. They are a really valuable source of information on what you do and don't yet understand.

Certified Dual Ivy Latin/Greek tutor

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• Latin 2
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• AP Latin 2
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• Grammar 1
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• Study Skills 1
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• SAT Writing 1
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• Study Habits 1
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