[*] 3. The indicative may also express
-
(a)
- A dependent statement (or quotation) of such an absolute assertion or question. e.g., Λέγει ὅτι γράφει, he says that he is writing (he says γράφω); λέγει ὅτι γράψει, he says that he will write (he says γράψω); ἐρωτᾷ τί ἐγράψαμεν, he asks what we wrote; ἐρωτᾷ εἰ ἔγραψα, he asks whether I wrote. (b)
- A distinct statement of an object aimed at or feared. e.g., Ἐπιμελεῖται ὅπως τοῦτο γενήσεται, he takes care that this shall be done (339); φοβούμεθα μὴ ἀμφοτέρων ἡμαρτήκαμεν, we fear that we have missed both (369, 2). (c)
- A distinct supposition of an absolute statement, that is, a supposition that such a statement is, was, or will be true. E.g., Εἰ γράφει, if he is writing; εἰ ἔγραψεν, if he wrote; εἰ γέγραφε, if he has written; εἰ γράψει, if he shall write or if he is to write. What is supposed in each case could be expressed by γράφει, ἔγραψεν, γέγραφε, or γράψει.