Latin Composition

Writing in Latin (prose composition): resources, method, Bradley's Arnold, North and Hillard, when to add composition to your Latin study.

Latin composition — writing sentences or passages in Latin — is the hardest Latin skill and the one most likely to produce deep grammatical internalization. It forces you to make active choices about constructions rather than recognizing them passively.

When to Start Composition

Don't start too early: Composition requires a strong grammar foundation. Attempting it at Novice level produces discouragement without enough grammar knowledge to self-correct.

Recommended: Begin composition exercises at Intermediate level (after completing LLPSI Familia Romana or Wheelock through chapter 25). By then you have:

  • All 5 declensions solid
  • All 4 conjugations in present and perfect systems
  • Subjunctive (at least present and imperfect)
  • Ablative absolute and indirect statement

Start with: Simple sentences, then progress to paragraphs.

Composition Resources

Bradley's Arnold: Latin Prose Composition

Authors: G.G. Bradley & James W. Arnold Best for: Systematic, rigorous composition training

The classic Latin composition manual for English speakers. Organized by construction: direct object, indirect object, purpose clauses, result clauses, conditional sentences — each chapter introduces a construction with exercises to render English sentences into Latin. Clear, methodical, rigorous.

Widely used at: Oxford, Cambridge, and traditional British university Latin programs.

North and Hillard: Latin Prose Composition

Authors: M.A. North & A.E. Hillard

Alternative to Bradley's Arnold; covers similar ground with different exercises. Preferred by some teachers; both books are widely respected.

Gwynne's Latin

Author: N.M. Gwynne

Modern revival of traditional composition methods; suitable for self-studiers who want a gentler introduction.

LLPSI Approach to Composition

LLPSI Exercitia Latina I (the workbook) includes composition exercises for each chapter where you fill in blanks or complete sentences in Latin — a gentler form of composition that begins at Novice level.

Composition Method

  1. Read the English sentence carefully — identify what construction will express each element
  2. Choose the main verb — what tense, mood, voice does it require?
  3. Identify subordinate clauses — purpose? result? temporal? → choose the appropriate construction
  4. Set vocabulary — find the right Latin words; check dictionary for correct principal parts
  5. Build the sentence — Latin tends toward SOV, but use appropriate word order for emphasis
  6. Check — do adjectives agree? Does the pronoun refer to the right antecedent? Are cases correct?
  7. Read your Latin aloud — does it sound like Latin? Does it scan?

Active Latin Composition

In the Active Latin tradition (Paideia, Vivarium Novum), composition is integrated with speaking — students produce Latin orally and in writing as part of daily life. The Conventiculum Latinum at University of Kentucky (Terence Tunberg) is the leading scholarly Active Latin program that emphasizes composition alongside speaking.

Reference Grammar for Composition

Use Allen & Greenough (dcc.dickinson.edu/grammar/latin) as your go-to reference when composing:

  • Check case uses in Part 2 (Syntax)
  • Verify verb constructions (which verbs take complementary infinitive, which take subjunctive, etc.)
  • Look up examples of specific constructions before attempting them