672 From γε ἄρα ([673 a](file:///x:/Departments/Classics_Texts/schoolgrammarofa00goodrich_porson/HTML%20Files/Chapter-673.html)) is formed *γάρ, which has several distinct uses, with some that are transitional between these.
- a. Adverbially, γάρ makes the preceding word prominent,
somewhat as γε does, while suggesting, like ἄρα, that the preceding sentence has something to do with this prominence.
Especially in questions γάρ denotes surprise, or some kindred
emotion: τίς γὰρ ἂν ᾠήθη; why, who would have thought!
D. 9, 68. γένοιτο γὰρ ἄν τι καινότερον; could there possibly be
anything newer! D. 4, 10. Also in answers, or other statements positively made, with some reference to a preceding
statement: ἦ γὰρ ἀνάγκη (AN. I. 6, 8) or ἀνάγκη γάρ I must
indeed!
With these belongs the use of γάρ in wishes ([470 a](file:///x:/Departments/Classics_Texts/schoolgrammarofa00goodrich_porson/HTML%20Files/Chapter-470.html), [477](file:///x:/Departments/Classics_Texts/schoolgrammarofa00goodrich_porson/HTML%20Files/Chapter-477.html)).
γάρ in this group of uses may be called γάρ emotional.
- b. Often a narrative or explanation that has just been
promised is introduced by γάρ explanatory. The nearest English equivalent is namely; sometimes we may translate by for
example, that is; but more often English in such cases has no
introductory word: μᾶς εἰδὼς διδάξω. τὸ μὲν γὰρ πλῆθος πολύ
κτλ. I will explain to you. Their number is large, etc.
AN. I. 7, 4. Whether this γάρ is an adverb or a conjunction it
is difficult to say.
- c. As a conjunction, γάρ causal introduces a reason; the
sentence with γάρ generally follows that for which it gives the
cause. Sometimes the γάρ clause precedes or is inserted parenthetically within the other sentence; γάρ may then usually
be rendered since.
- d. Καὶ γάρ is sometimes for even, for also, καὶ being adverbial and emphasising the next following word; but more often
καί is a conjunction and γάρ adverbial, and in fact; sometimes
it is impossible to determine which was the conjunction, καὶ
γάρ having become a standing formula:
Tοῦτο ἐποίει ἐκ τοῦ χαλεπὸς εἶναι· καὶ γὰρ ὁρᾶν στυγνὸς ἦν καὶ
τῇ φωνῇ τρᾱχύς this he did by being severe; his very appearance was disagreeable and his voice harsh. AN. II. 6, 9. In
ἀλλὰ γάρ the γάρ is almost always adverbial, but in fact, but
really.