[*] 192. Conative present. present of endeavor. As continuance involves the notion of incompleteness, the present is used of attempted and intended action (present of endeavor, conative present). But on account of the double use of the present as a tense of continuance and as a tense of attainment, this signification is less prominent and less important than in the imperfect. Notice that this conative sense runs through the moods. Indicative: “ὠνοῦμαι”, I am trying to buy, I am bidding. “δίδωμι”, I am willing to give, I offer. “παρακρούεται . . . ὑμα_ς”, DEM.29.1; He tries to swindle you. “οἱ Ἐγεσταῖοι . . . ἡμᾶς ἐκφοβοῦσι”, THUC.6.11.2; The Segestans are trying to frighten us. “τὸν υἱὸν κτείνει”, HDT.1.109; He wishes to kill her son. DEM.29.1(see above). PLATO, Phaedr. 273D: “εἰ . . . ἄλλο τι περὶ τέχνης λόγων λέγεις” (have to say, want to say), “ἀκούοιμεν ἄν”. PLAT. Soph. 242C: “λέγε σαφέστερον ὃ λέγεις”. XEN. An. 7.7.7: “ἐξελαύνετε ἡμᾶς ἐκ τῆσδε τῆς χώρας”. THUC.6.11.2(see above). HDT.1.109(see above). PIND. O. 2.98: “τίνα βάλλομεν”; Whom are we trying to hit?
Syntax of Classical Greek from Homer to Demosthenes. Basil L. Gildersleeve. New York. American Book Company. 1900.
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