Muddle-headed Kay (mhw) wrote,
Muddle-headed Kay
mhw

This journal has been placed in memorial status. New entries cannot be posted to it.

  • Mood: curious

Old English (Anglo-Saxon) quick help needed.

So when doesn't one use the instrumental case?

I know that the instrumental is used in structures of:
1) Means and manner;
2) Accompaniment;
3) Time.

However...

That's all well and good(ish), but Mitchell and Robinson (1986 ed., section 192) says Where there is no special instrumental form (and sometimes when there is), the dative serves. (my emphasis).

Does this simply mean "Even if there's a distinct instrumental form, you can get away with using the dative", or am I missing something subtle?
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  • 11 comments

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