Greek Verbs: vowel contractions

Vowel contractions (simple rules) part 1

1. Two like vowels form their common long vowel:
α + α = α
Exceptions: ε + ε = ει ο + ο = ου

2. An ο or ω will overcome an α, ε or η regardless of their order, and form ω:
α + ο = ω  ο + α = ω
Exceptions: ε + ο = ου  ο + ε = ου

3. If α comes before ε or η, they contract to α. If ε or η comes before α, they contract to η:
α + ε = α α + η = α ε + α = ηε + η = η

 

Vowel contractions (simple rules) part 2

4. When a single vowel is followed by a diphthong that begins with the same vowel, the two similar vowels simplify and the second vowel remains the same:    ο + ου = ου   α + ᾳ = ᾳ

5. When a single vowel is followed by a diphthong that begins with a different vowel, the single vowel and the first vowel of the diphthong contract according to the regular rules. If the third vowel is an upsilon it will drop off. If it is an iota it will subscript:
α + ου = ω   ε + ου = ου
Exceptions: ο + ει = οι   ο + ῃ = οι α +ει =αι =α

 

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NOTE WELL: These pages do not replace texts by professional Greek Scholars. They are a summary of basic grammar for use by the Author. The Author makes no warranties of any kind, either express or implied, as to the accuracy or completement of the information provided.

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