Erit

Definition

'Erit' is the third person singular future tense form of the verb 'esse,' meaning 'to be.' It translates to 'he/she/it will be' in English and indicates a state of existence or occurrence that is expected to happen in the future. This term plays a crucial role in forming predicate nominatives and adjectives by linking the subject of a sentence with a description or identity that will become true in the future.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Erit' is used to predict or assert what will happen in the future, making it essential for conveying future states or identities.
2. 'Erit' works in sentences where an adjective or a noun follows it, completing the meaning and providing clarity on what the subject will become.
3. 'Erit' can be used in both declarative sentences and questions, showcasing its flexibility in forming future statements.
4. 'Erit' can combine with other grammatical structures, like adverbs or prepositional phrases, to provide additional context about when or how something will happen.
5. 'Erit' can be conjugated with different subjects, maintaining its future tense form while changing the subject of the verb (e.g., 'eritis' for 'you will be').

Review Questions

• How does 'erit' function as a linking verb in relation to predicate nominatives?
  • 'Erit' functions as a linking verb by connecting the subject to a predicate nominative, which renames or identifies the subject in a future context. For example, in a sentence like 'Puella erit magistra' (The girl will be a teacher), 'erit' links 'puella' (girl) to 'magistra' (teacher), indicating what the girl will become in the future. This shows how 'erit' establishes a relationship between the subject and its identity.
• In what ways does 'erit' differ from other forms of the verb 'esse,' particularly concerning tense and usage?
  • 'Erit' differs from other forms of 'esse' primarily in its tense, as it specifically denotes future action. While 'est' indicates present existence ('he/she/it is'), and 'erat' refers to past existence ('he/she/it was'), 'erit' clearly communicates that something will be true in the future. This distinction is important when constructing sentences that require clarity about when an action or state occurs.
• Evaluate the importance of using 'erit' correctly in forming future statements, particularly when discussing identity and characteristics.
  • 'Erit' is crucial for accurately expressing future conditions and identities, as its correct usage ensures clear communication of what will happen. Misusing it could lead to confusion about whether something is currently true, was true, or will be true. For example, saying 'Puer erit fortis' (The boy will be strong) effectively communicates a prediction about the boy's future character. Correctly applying 'erit' helps establish expectations and sets the groundwork for understanding changes over time in both identity and traits.

Related terms

Predicate Nominative: 'A noun or pronoun that follows a linking verb and renames or identifies the subject of the sentence.'

Linking Verb: 'A verb that connects the subject of a sentence with a subject complement, such as a predicate nominative or adjective.'

Future Tense:

'A grammatical tense used to describe actions that will happen at a later time.'