Greek Verb Endings in Third-Person Plural Indicative: Ουσι vs Ουσιν

When studying Ancient Greek, you may come across the interesting phenomenon where the third-person plural indicative verb ending can appear as both -ουσι and -ουσιν. This article aims to explore the nuances and usage rules for each form, as well as provide context for their appearance in different contexts.

Understanding the Forms: -ουσι and -ουσιν

In Ancient Greek, the present tense third-person plural indicative verb can indeed be seen in two forms: -ουσι and -ουσιν. These forms, while grammatically correct, are deployed based on the context and desired emphasis:

-ουσι

Standard Form: This is the commonly used form in most contexts. It is the regular ending for the third-person plural indicative in the present tense, especially in active voice verbs. For example, in the verb λω (to release), the third-person plural form is λουσι (they release).

This form is widely used in prose and everyday speech, providing a natural and straightforward way of expressing the action.

-ουσιν

Emphatic or Poetic Form: -ουσιν is typically used in more emphatic or formal contexts. It is often found in poetry and certain dialects or literary contexts to add an extra layer of emphasis or style to the statement. Stylistic Variation: This form is considered a stylistic variation, often used for emotional or heightened expression. For instance, in the above example, ?ρχο- σιν can be used more emphatically to mean "they come" in a more formal or poetic manner.

Rules for Usage

Standard Usage: Use -ουσι in most cases, particularly in prose or everyday speech.

Emphasis or Poetic Context: Use -ουσιν when you want to convey emphasis or in a poetic or formal setting. This form is less common but adds a layer of sophistication to the sentence.

Nu and the Integration with Prepositions

Ν (ν) is another letter that can be used in specific contexts when the verb ending ends in a vowel and the following word begins with a vowel. This is to ensure a smoother and more euphonic pronunciation. For example, it's used to connect the verb ending with a preposition or to make a compounded verb or noun.

Euphony: For instance, in the verb νομ?ζω (to think), the third-person plural form would be νομιζουσιν. Poetic Emphasis: In poetry or formal writing, -ουσιν may be used to emphasize the action or subject. For example, ?ρχο- σιν in a poem could be more emphatic and formal than just ?ρχο- σι.

The use of ν in these contexts helps to avoid awkward double vowels and maintain a fluid, elegant flow in the text.

Aesthetic Criteria and Sentence Flow

The choice between -ουσι and -ουσιν often depends on aesthetic criteria. Ancient Greek writers were known for their perfectionism, and the use of the respective form can contribute to a smoother sentence flow. For instance, in cases where the word following the verb begins with a vowel, -ουσιν is preferable as it provides better euphony and readability.

Example: Instead of λουσι εννα, which would sound awkward, you would use λουσιν εννα.

In conclusion, while both forms are grammatically correct, the decision to use one over the other often comes down to the desired emphasis, stylistic choice, and the flow of the sentence. Understanding the differences and usage rules can greatly enhance your grasp of Ancient Greek grammar and the nuances of its literature.