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Level B1

Conditional Sentences (الجُمْلَة الشَّرْطِيَّة)

Learn the three main conditional patterns in Arabic using إِذَا (if/when), إِنْ (if), and لَوْ (if - counterfactual), and how to form both the condition and result clauses.

Conditionals with إِذَا (When/If - Likely)

إِذَا introduces conditions that are expected or likely to happen. It is often translated as 'when' or 'if.' The structure is: إِذَا + past tense verb (condition) + past or present tense verb (result) Although the past tense is used after إِذَا, the meaning is typically future or habitual. This is a special feature of conditional sentences in Arabic. Key points: • إِذَا is followed by a verb, never a noun directly. • The result clause (جَوَاب الشَّرْط) can use the past tense, present tense, or an imperative. • If the result clause starts with a nominal sentence or certain particles, it must be preceded by فَ (fa).

إِذَا دَرَسْتَ نَجَحْتَ
idhā darasta najahta
If you study, you will succeed
Both clauses use past tense, but the meaning is future. No فَ needed when result is a verb.
إِذَا جَاءَ المُعَلِّمُ فَاجْلِسْ
idhā jā'a al-mu'allimu fa-jlis
When the teacher comes, sit down
Result is an imperative, so فَ is required before it.
إِذَا أَرَدْتَ النَّجَاحَ فَعَلَيْكَ بِالعَمَلِ
idhā aradta an-najāha fa-'alayka bil-'amali
If you want success, then you must work
Result clause is a nominal/prepositional phrase, so فَ is required.
إِذَا سَأَلْتَنِي أَجَبْتُكَ
idhā sa'altanī ajabtuka
If you ask me, I will answer you
Both verbs in past tense expressing a future conditional. Natural spoken Arabic.

2 more sections and 5 practice questions

"Conditional Sentences (الجُمْلَة الشَّرْطِيَّة)" 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.

Also in this lesson
  • Conditionals with إِنْ (If - Uncertain)
  • Conditionals with لَوْ (If - Counterfactual/Impossible)

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Frequently asked questions

What is Conditional Sentences in Arabic?

Learn the three main conditional patterns in Arabic using إِذَا (if/when), إِنْ (if), and لَوْ (if - counterfactual), and how to form both the condition and result clauses.

How do you use Conditional Sentences in Arabic?

إِذَا introduces conditions that are expected or likely to happen. It is often translated as 'when' or 'if.' The structure is:

What are common examples of Conditional Sentences in Arabic?

Examples from this lesson include "idhā darasta najahta" (If you study, you will succeed), "idhā jā'a al-mu'allimu fa-jlis" (When the teacher comes, sit down), "idhā aradta an-najāha fa-'alayka bil-'amali" (If you want success, then you must work) and "idhā sa'altanī ajabtuka" (If you ask me, I will answer you).