Instrumental case

In linguistics, the instrumental case indicates that a noun is the instrument or means by which the subject achieves or accomplishes an action. The noun may be either a physical object or an abstract concept.

Related Topics:
Linguistics - Case

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For example, in this Latin sentence:

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:librum stylo scripsi.

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the inflection of the noun indicates its instrumental role -- the nominative stylus changes to the ablative stylo. English, lacking an instrumental case, might use a preposition (usually with) to express the same meaning:

Related Topics:
Inflection - Nominative - Ablative - English - Preposition

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:I wrote the book with a pen.

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The instrumental case appears in Old English, Georgian, Sanskrit, and the Balto-Slavic languages. An instrumental/comitative case is arguably present in Turkish and other Altaic languages.

Related Topics:
Old English - Georgian - Sanskrit - Balto-Slavic languages - Turkish - Altaic

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