Distinguishing Between Nominative and Accusative Neuter Nouns

Since the nominative and accusative forms of neuter nouns are identical, endings cannot be used to distinguish between these cases. There are, however, several other ways to determine the difference. Below are some examples.

1. παιδίον βλέπομεν. / We see a child.

   παιδίον is singular, and βλέπομεν is plural, so παιδίον cannot be the subject.

2. παιδίον βλέπει ὁ ἄνθρωπος. / The man sees a child.

   ἄνθρωπος is nominative, so it is the subject, and παιδίον is the direct object.

3. παιδίον καὶ δοῦλον βλέπουσιν. / They see a child and a slave.

   Since παιδίον and δοῦλον are paired together using καὶ, and δοῦλον is accusative, παιδίον is also accusative.

4. τὸ παιδίον πρόβατον ἔχει. / The child has a sheep.

   “A sheep has a child“ does not make much sense.

5. παιδίον πρόβατον βλέπει. / A sheep sees a child. or A child sees a sheep.

   This sentence is ambiguous, but the second translation is more likely because Greek favors putting the subject before the object when the sentence is otherwise vague.