General Questions about Latin Grammar and Style

[Laura Gibbs]

Do you have a general question about Latin grammar or style? You can ask here - or you can start your own discussion in this category, if you prefer! Either way is fine. :-)

[Zaz]

I've got a question. I'm considering using a variant of "Modus Operandi" for a project. I don't want to look like a fool, so would like your point of view on what these variants mean.

Operandi Modus : Reversed. I've always been aware of debate about whether word ordering changes emphasis. In this case, does this mean anything to you?
Modus Operandus : The plural of Modus Operandi is Modi Operandi. Is Modus Operandus a valid singular of Operandus? Or does it just make no sense?

Are there any other constructions around that phrase that you would consider an interesting variation?

Regards,

Zaz.

[Laura Gibbs]

Hi Zaz, Operandi Modus works just great in Latin. Word order is free in Latin, unlike in English where word order is actually part of the grammar of the sentence.

Plural is also very interesting - but for that you want Modi Operandi. The word "operandi" is a noun, specifically it is called a gerund, a verbal noun, like the word "operating" in English. So in Latin a modus operandi is a "way of operating" - the plural would be modi operandi, "ways of operating." The word "operandi" stays the same ("of operating"), with "modus" singular ("way") or "modi" plural (ways).

I hope that helps!

[Zaz]

It does, smashing. I presumed that Operandi in itself was a plural, your explanation makes complete sense.

Many thanks.

Z.

[Laura Gibbs]

That is the kind of thing that definitely makes Latin tricky at first - the endings are very important, and the same ending can mean different things depending on the word you add it to.

In English, we don't have too many endings, but you can compare it maybe to the way that "s" is an ending for verbs in English, and also for nouns - and you have to know which word you are dealing with to recognize the ending:
apples - you know right away that is a noun, because you are an English speaker
applies - you know right away that is a verb, because you are an English speaker

But just think how confusing that can be for non-English speakers! :-)