Impersonal Verbs

What is an Impersonal Verb?

A verb that exists only in the third person singular tense.
EX) liceT (the ending= t)

These verbs have no subjects, it is either expressed, or understood.

They are 3rd person singular, and are usually always translated as "it" instead of "he/she"

Good To Know!

The subject is never nominative.

They are in the dative or accusative case.

Commonly Used Verbs

• necesse est= it is necessary
• licet/ licuit= it is allowed/ it was allowed
• placet/ placuit= it pleases/ it pleased 
• decet/oportet= it is fitting/ it should  
• taedet/ taesum est=it tires/ it tired (bored)

Translation Tip!
When beginning to translate the sentence,
take the impersonal verb first, then add it to the translation of the verb.

ex) taedet= definition is tries= it tries

Lets Try Some Examples!
1.Papirio non licuit rem enuntiare.

In this sentence the impersonal verb= licuit.

English: It was not allowed for Papirius to reveal the situation.

Another Example!
2. Puero non decuit rem matri enuntiare.

In this sentence the impersonal verb= decuit.

English: It was not fitting for the boy to reveal the event to his mother.