Latin conjugation

Conjugation is the creation of derived forms of a verb from one basic form. Conjugation may be affected by person, number, gender, tense, mood, voice, or some other language-specific factor or factors. When a verb is used to function as the action done by a subject, the verb must be conjugated in most languages.

For example, here's a sample conjugation of the English verb to be and its Latin and French equivalents, esse and être.

Note that the similarity between English is and Latin est is not a mere coincidence, but rather one of the consequences of them having a distant common ancestor (see Indo-European languages). French is a derivative of Latin, which explains the much greater similarity in the way they conjugate this verb.

In addition, there are 4 regular conjugations, and one sub-form:

Notice in all forms the endings are similar, 'o' or 'm' endings mean I. 's' means 'you' (in the pronouns suus means his, do not get confused) and the 't' endings mean he/she/it.

So:

Singular

1. -o/m = I, eg. sum or verbo
2. -s = You, eg. es or amas
3. -t = He, eg est or amat

Plural (note the simularities with the singular)

1. -mus
2. -atis
3. -nt

Elements of conjugation survive in English, however it is watered down. 'am' (I am) retains the nasal 'mmm' sound inherited from its ancestors (note: me). 'is' is remarkebly similar to the Latin 'est'.

See also: Latin declension