Browsing Tag
nominal sentence
11 posts
What does مرحبًا (“marhaban”) actually mean?
In Arab culture, "marhaban" (مرحبًا) is commonly used as a greeting to welcome someone. However, the core meaning of the root ر-ح-ب is somewhat surprising and shows how deeply the word is connected to Arab culture.
How to handle the number 8 in Arabic – a core analysis
In Arabic, the number 8 – ثَمَانٍ – has some tricky subtleties. We delve deep into the rules and see what the classic grammarians have to say about them.
When do you have to use إِنَّ in Arabic?
The particle إِنَّ is often misused. In fact, there are not many situations when you have to use it. An overview.
Al-Jazeera Arabic Grammar Test: A Survival Guide
Al-Jazeera offers a grammar test. There are a couple of pitfalls. So, reason enough to take a look at the most important Arabic grammar topics.
Arabic Conditionals: Part 3 – ف and Tenses
This three-part series of articles is designed to get the trouble out of the way once and for all. Part three is about the Fa' (ف) and the tenses.
Arabic Conditionals: Part 1 – The Basics
This three-part series of articles is designed to get the trouble out of the way once and for all. Part one is about the basics.
The tricky word ما in Egyptian Arabic
The word ما is one of the most difficult words in Egyptian Arabic (and by the way, in Standard Arabic as well). Oftentimes, it is misunderstood.
The و in kull Aam wa antum bi Khayr – do you need the waw?
What's the function of وَ in the saying: كُلُّ عامٍ وَأَنْتُمْ بِخَيْرٍ? It is a dubious one. Most grammarians say that you don't need the وَ and that it would be of better Arabic style to skip it! Let's see why.
How to I’rab (إعراب): A Step-by-Step Guide
Reading grammar books in Arabic can be challenging if you cannot decode the language of the grammarians (i'rab إعراب). But there is a formula.
How a wasp caused the most famous debate about Arabic grammar
The question of the wasp or hornet - Masʾalat al-Zunbur (مَسْأَلة الزُّنْبُور) - caused Sibawayhi, the most famous Arabic grammarian, to die of anger.
