Let’s Get Started!

Both the hortatory and jussive subjunctives are used to urge or encourage someone to do something, rather than command. They are both usually translated with “Let..”

 From the verb “hortor, hortarī, hortatus sum”  “to urge,” “to encourage,” or “to exhort”  Only in the first person plural  “Let us ____”  Ex. “eamus” “let’s go”  Negative  “ne” plus subjunctive  “ne eamus” “let’s not go”

 From the verb “iubeo, iubēre, iussi, iussus”  “to order” or “to command”  In the second or third person  “Let him/her/it____”  Ex. “discipuli legant” “let the students read”  Negative  “ne” plus subjunctive  Not as strong as an imperative, but the speaker has some control - stronger than wishes (later) “may he rest in peace”

IndicativeImperativeSubjunctive (fact) (direct command)(encouragement) We are starting.Start!Let’s start.

Indicative: We are sitting. Imperative: Sit! Subjunctive: Let us sit.

Indicative: There is light. Imperative: Light! Subjunctive: Let there be light!

Indicative: We are going. Imperative: Go! Subjunctive: Let’s go!

Indicative: They are coming. Imperative: Come! Subjunctive: Let them come.

N.B. “let go” is one verb, so be careful you’re not using the imperative

 - Gandalf  - Dog  - Zombies  - Let it go  - Go Dog Go  - Bruins  - Light  - Campfire