Third Form Latin Question

[jme493]

Hello,
My daughter is working on Lesson III in Third Form Latin, in which the imperative mood is introduced. On Worksheet 3, we are a bit confused by #17. The sentences to translate are: Be a man. Be men. The answer key has them translated as Es vir. Este viri. What is confusing us is that every other sentence on this worksheet includes an imperative verb and a noun in the accusative case. For #17, however, the answer in the answer key has the noun in the nominative case. We were thinking it had something to do with using the verb "to be," but we aren't sure. Any insight into why this one uses the nominative rather than the accusative case would be much appreciated!
Thank you!

[Jon Christianson]

Hello,

You're absolutely right: the being verb gets predicate nominatives, not accusative direct objects. So, if you imagine the sentence you mention as an imperative version of "tu es vir" (you are a man), changing the verb to an imperative wouldn't change the function of the noun - it's the thing you're being either way - so it stays nominative.

- Jon

[jme493]

Thank you so much for the prompt response. Your explanation makes a lot of sense. We appreciate your support!