Monographs

The dative proper denotes that to or for which something is or is done.

It is either (1) used with single words (verbs, adjectives, and sometimes with adverbs and substantives) or (2) it serves to define an entire sentence; herein unlike the genitive and accusative, which usually modify single members of a sentence. The connection between dative and verb is less intimate than that between genitive or accusative and verb.

The dative proper is largely personal, and denotes the person who is interested in or affected by the action; and includes 1461-1473 as well as 1474 ff. The dative proper is not often used with things; when so used there is usually personification or semi-personification.