Grammar is what turns words into meaning
You can know a lot of Arabic vocabulary and still misread a sentence, because in Arabic the job a word does is often shown by its ending and its pattern rather than by word order alone. That is why grammar matters so much: it is the key to reading the Quran, classical texts and modern Arabic accurately.
The two halves: nahw and sarf
Nahw (syntax) deals with how words relate in a sentence: subjects, predicates, verbs and objects, and the case endings that mark them. Sarf (morphology) deals with how words are built: roots, verb forms, patterns for nouns and adjectives. Together they let you look at an unfamiliar sentence and work out what it says.
Topics you will cover
- Nominal and verbal sentences
- Case endings (i'rab) and why they change
- Definite and indefinite nouns, and the construct (idafa)
- Past and present verbs, and the common verb forms
- Roots and patterns for building and recognizing words
- Particles, pronouns and agreement
Why one-on-one works for grammar
Grammar is where group classes often lose people: one confusing rule and the class has moved on. With a tutor, you stop on a rule until it makes sense, then practise it on real sentences. Many learners use grammar alongside the Quranic Arabic course or MSA, so the rules are always tied to actual text.
Before you start
You should be able to read Arabic script. If not, start with Arabic for beginners. Book any day of the week, at a time in your own US time zone.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between nahw and sarf?
Nahw is syntax, how words work together in a sentence. Sarf is morphology, how individual words are formed.
Do I need grammar to understand the Quran?
A working knowledge of grammar makes understanding far more accurate, which is why it is part of the Quranic Arabic course too.