| Formula: | timeo + ne + imperfect subjunctive |
| Example: | liberi timebant ne mater irata esset. |
| The children were afraid that their mother was angry. |
The subjunctive can be translated with “would”, “might”, or “was”/”were”. Choose the best one in context.
A negative fear uses ne + non/nemo/nullus/etc.
e.g. pater timebat ne numquam redirem.
My father was afraid that I would never return.
timeo can also take an infinitive:
e.g. nos in villam intrare timebamus.
We were afraid to enter the house.
Or a noun:
e.g. canes timeo.
I am afraid of dogs.
Practice exercises
- timesne alta?
Are you afraid of heights?
- timeo trans flumen transire.
I am afraid to cross the river.
- Romani timebant ne hostes se necarent.
The Romans were afraid that the enemy would kill them.
- mercatores timuerunt ne nihil puellae emerent.
The merchants were afraid that the girls would not buy anything.
- nauta timebat ne numquam mare videret.
The sailor was afraid that he would never see the sea.
- maritus eius timuit ne scelera cognosceret.
Her husband was afraid that she would discover his crimes.
Click on individual questions for answers. ( / Hide All)
