I have a question. There are the obvious cases where “ali-” drops off: before si, quando, ne, num, etc. It seems-- and this is where I would like some confirmation-- that there are other cases not having to do with particles or conjunctions: tertium quid (a third something), aliud quid (something else). Am I right about this? If so, is the rule that if you affix some adjective before aliquid the “ali” drops? Thanks.
After si, nisi, num and ne all the ali’s go away.
Sorry, but I love saying that. As it is, I think these are specialized technical usages, not really covered by a “rule.”