04

The verb

باب الأفعال

Verbs are three: past, present (mudari), and command. The past is built open on the last letter: kataba. The command is built stopped: uktub. The present is the one that i'rab moves — it can be raised, installed, or cut (jazm).

The present is known by one of four letters on the front: a-, na-, ya-, ta- (I, we, he, you/she). Teachers call them anaytu.

1. ماض

   Past

   The act is done. Last letter is fatha when nothing extra is stuck on: كَتَبَ.

2. مضارع

   Mudari

   The act is not finished. This is the verb whose ending moves.

3. أمر

   Command

   A request to do it: اُكْتُبْ. Built, not declined, in the basic form.

The ten forms (I–X) tell you the mould of the verb. This chapter tells you its tense. You need both.