Learn Hardcore Latin: Discipulus scit multum de caelo. - The student knows a lot about the sky.

discipulus is the subject of the sentence, which requires the nominative case in Latin. Because the sentence is saying that the student knows something, discipulus (Latin for student) must be in the nominative to match with the verb scit.

What is the function of multum here, and why doesn’t it match the case of de caelo?

multum is a neuter singular adjective used substantively, meaning “a lot” or “much.” It serves as the direct object of scit. Meanwhile, de caelo is in the ablative case following the preposition de, which means “about” or “concerning” (or sometimes “down from”). Thus, multum is not tied to the ablative because it depends on the verb scit, not on the preposition de.

Why is caelo in the ablative case after de?

The Latin preposition de always takes the ablative case. When de is used in the sense of “about” or “concerning,” the word that follows (like caelo) must be in the ablative to show that the student knows a lot about the sky.

What tense and mood is scit, and how does that affect its meaning?

scit is the third-person singular, present indicative form of the verb sciō, scīre (). In the present indicative, it simply states a fact: the student something in the here and now, rather than speculating or commanding.