Look at the following combinations of words. Notice how taking a specific noun and pairing it with a descriptive word creates a complete thought.
A Nominal Sentence (اَلْجُمْلَةُ الإِسْمِيَّةُ) is a sentence that starts with a Ism (Noun). It is built using exactly two pieces:
The thing you are talking about. It usually comes first on the right side.
The news or information describing the subject. The Predicate.
There is no word for "is" or "are" in Arabic present tense sentences! When you place a definite noun (The Book) next to an indefinite descriptive noun (new), the word "is" magically appears in translation to form a complete thought.
You need descriptive words to act as your Khabar (Predicates). Let\'s learn some common opposites! Pay attention to the Tanween at the end, as these are indefinite.
Read these complete sentences aloud using the nouns from our previous lessons. Identify the Mubtada (Subject) and the Khabar (Predicate).