When you're conjugating an -ere verb, such as docere, when do you put the macron on the past tense forms? I know in present tense, the macron is only used for you singular+plural and we. Are -ere verbs inconsistent like this, or is it consistent like the future tense? Thanks for your help.

If, by past tense, you mean the imperfect tense, active voice, here is how docçre is conjugated:

docebam (macron over the e)
docebas (macrons over the e and a)
docebat (macron over the e)

docebamus (macrons over the e and a)
docebatis (macrons over the e and a)
docebant (macron over the e)

If you have another tense and voice in mind, please repost.

That was it exactly. Thanks for answering my question.

You're very welcome.

When conjugating an -ere verb like "docere" in Latin, the presence of a macron (a horizontal line placed above a vowel) in the past tense forms depends on the specific conjugation pattern the verb follows.

In general, the macron is used consistently in the future tense, as you mentioned, and it typically appears over the vowel in the stem. However, in the past tense, the use of a macron can vary depending on the conjugation class of the verb.

For example, in the third conjugation (-ere) verb "docere," which means "to teach," the macron is used in the past tense forms in certain cases. Here are the specific rules for conjugating "docere" in the past tense:

1. First-person singular (I): No macron is used. The form is "docui."

2. Second-person singular (you): In this case, a macron is used. The form is "docuisti."

3. Third-person singular (he/she/it): No macron is used. The form is "docuit."

4. First-person plural (we): No macron is used. The form is "docuimus."

5. Second-person plural (you all): In this case, a macron is used. The form is "docuistis."

6. Third-person plural (they): No macron is used. The form is "docuerunt."

As you can see, the use of the macron in the past tense forms of "docere" is inconsistent. While it is used in the second-person plural and singular forms, it is not used in the first and third person singular or the first person plural.

To determine whether an -ere verb uses a macron in its past tense forms, it is important to consult a reliable Latin conjugation resource or a Latin grammar reference specifically for the verb you are studying.

I hope this clarifies the usage of macrons in the past tense forms of -ere verbs. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask.