The “re” issue Just what does that “re” on a verb mean?

Present Active Infinitive Most of the time, a verb ending in “re” is an infinitive. Infinitives are frequently used to complete verbs that have incomplete meanings like possum, debeo, cupio, volo, et al. With these verbs, the infinitive is translated as “to” Debeo vocare meam matrem. I ought to call my mother. Poteramus legere epistolas et orationes Ciceronis. We were able to read the letters and speeches of Cicero But when that infinitive follows a “head” verb, it is most likely being used in an indirect statement and will translate into English as just a verb. Cicero scivit Catilinam coniurationem facere. Cicero knew that Catilina was making a conspiracy

Alternate Perfect “re” can also be the alternate perfect “ere” which is substituted for “erunt” This “ere” can only be attached to the third principal part so look for that perfect characteristic “u, v, s, x” that precedes the “ere”. It won’t always be there but frequently is. Conspexere per fenestram. They watched through the window.

Alternate 2 nd person passive for “ris” In the present indicative passive, present subjunctive passive, and future passive for 3 rd and 4 th conjugation verbs, occasionally the normal ending “ris” for you singular will be replaced with just “re”. Amaris you are loved amare you are loved Conspicaris May you bee seen conspicare May you be seen Abuteris you will abuse ( deponent) abutere you will abuse

Summary for “re” verbs Could be: Present active infinitive “to” Present active infinitive in an indirect statement verb happening at same time as head verb Alternate perfect for erunt ( look for “u,v,s,x) They__________ed *Present passive indicative for “ris” You are ______ed *Present subjunctive passive for “ris” You may be ______ed *Future passive for “eris” 3 rd, 4 th conjugation You will be _______ed *These forms exist for deponents and would translate actively