1A Lesson 6 FAQs:
1.) How do we know if a particular construct is a nominal sentence or an adjectival phrase?
The موصوف and صفة in the adjectival phrase will agree in all four aspects of GEND: Gender, Ending, Number, and Definiteness. However, the constituents of a nominal sentence will not necessarily agree in these. The مبتدأ is usually definite, while the خبر is usually indefinite (for the most part), which is why we put “is/am/are” before the خبر. This is perhaps the most effective way to know the difference between these two constructs.
2.) Is it ever possible to have a definite خبر?
Yes, it is definitely possible, though not common. Usually, the خبر will be indefinite, but there are cases in the Quran where the خبر is definite (for example, in the ayah اللهُ الصَّمَدُ, the word الصمد is a definite خبر). How do we then recognize the خبر when it is definite? Usually by meaning and context, or by looking up the grammar in an (online) resource.
3.) In the sentence, هُوَ خَيرٌ, why is هُوَ considered the مبتدأ? How is it a definite ism?
All pronouns (both detached and attached) are considered definite isms, despite not having (الـ) at their beginning. This must be memorized. Therefore, because all pronouns are definite isms, that means detached pronouns, such as هُوَ, can be the مُبْتَدَأ in a nominal sentence.
4.) Are the dual versions for second-person present tense the same for both masculine and feminine?
Yes, they are. They are both on the pattern of تَفْعَلَانِ. The difference will be made clear in the context of the sentence.
5.) Why is it that when the مبتدأ is a plural, it sometimes takes a singular خبر? For example, in الرِّيَاحُ عَظِيمَةٌ?
This is because the مبتدأ here (الرِّيَاحُ) is a non-human plural. Remember that non-human plurals take feminine singular attributions (adjectives, predicates, etc). الرِّيَاح (“winds”) is a non-human plural, so its خبر would become singular feminine. Hence why it is عَظِيمَةٌ. This sentence (الرِّيَاحُ عَظِيمَةٌ) translates to, “The winds are great.”