The Verbal Sentence (الجُمْلَة الفِعْلِيَّة)
Learn the structure of verbal sentences with VSO word order and understand verb-subject agreement rules.
VSO Word Order
While nominal sentences start with a noun, verbal sentences (الجُمْلَة الفِعْلِيَّة) start with a verb. The standard word order in Arabic verbal sentences is: Verb (فِعْل) + Subject (فَاعِل) + Object (مَفْعُول بِهِ) This is VSO (Verb-Subject-Object) order, unlike English SVO. Important: When the verb comes BEFORE the subject, it agrees only in gender, NOT in number. The verb stays singular regardless of whether the subject is dual or plural.
2 more sections and 4 practice questions
"The Verbal Sentence (الجُمْلَة الفِعْلِيَّة)" is one of 38 grammar lessons in Fahm Premium, each with worked examples and self-checking practice. The first 3 grammar lessons are free to try.
- Verb-Subject Agreement Rules
- Verbal vs. Nominal Sentences
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Frequently asked questions
What is The Verbal Sentence in Arabic?
Learn the structure of verbal sentences with VSO word order and understand verb-subject agreement rules.
How do you use The Verbal Sentence in Arabic?
While nominal sentences start with a noun, verbal sentences (الجُمْلَة الفِعْلِيَّة) start with a verb. The standard word order in Arabic verbal sentences is:
What are common examples of The Verbal Sentence in Arabic?
Examples from this lesson include "kataba at-tālibu ad-darsa" (The student wrote the lesson), "akalati al-bintu at-tuffāhata" (The girl ate the apple), "dhahaba al-awlādu ilā al-madrasati" (The boys went to the school) and "qara'ati al-banātu al-kitāba" (The girls read the book).