Result Clauses

Result clauses are also known as consecutive clauses.

These clauses express consequence – the result of something.

These clauses are introduced by ut + subjunctive and the negative is non.

The main clause usually has a word meaning ‘so’. These are:
Tam – so
Tantus – so great
Tot – so many
Totiens – so often
Ita – in such a way
Adeo – so much, to such an extent

Usually result clauses can be translated using ‘that’, but to make translating easier, you should always start by translating as ‘with the result that’, cementing the fact that it is a result clause.

Examples:
David tam verecundus erat ut vix quicquam dicere posset.
David was so shy (with the result) that he could scarcely say anything.

Tanta erat tempestas ut omnes timerent.
The storm was so great (with the result) that all were afraid.

Tot spectatores aderant ut locum vacuum invenire non possemus.
There were so many spectators present (with the result) that we could not find an empty space.

Vergilius de te totiens mihi dixit ut carmina tua audire cupiam.
Vergil has spoken to me so often (with the result) that I want to hear your poems.

Tua carmina Maecenatem adeo delectant ut te cognoscere cupiat.
Your poems please Meacenas to such an extent (with the result) that he wants to get to know you.

Quintus carmen ita recitavit ut omnes eum laudarent.
Quintus recited the poem in such a way (with the result) that all praised him.

NB In consecutive clauses the reflexive refers to the subject of the ut clause; hence in this sentence eum, not se.

This page was written by David Wray

Return to Syntax Index