LessonsLevel 23: La of Absolute NegationQuiz

Core definition: Lā of absolute negation denies an entire class and, under its conditions, governs like inna.
• The subject of lā must be indefinite.
• Nothing should separate lā from its subject.
• A non-annexed subject of lā is built on its accusative sign.
• The predicate of lā is nominative and may be omitted when understood.

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Level 23: La of Absolute Negation

Classical Arabic syntax through clear rules and worked examples Read the bilingual lesson for Level 23: La of Absolute Negation and test your understanding with a focused quiz.

Lesson

1. La of Absolute Negation: Core Idea

Core definition: Lā of absolute negation denies an entire class and, under its conditions, governs like inna.
• The subject of lā must be indefinite.
• Nothing should separate lā from its subject.
• A non-annexed subject of lā is built on its accusative sign.
• The predicate of lā is nominative and may be omitted when understood.

2. La of Absolute Negation: Key Terms

Key terms

Arabic termEnglish meaning
لَا النَّافِيَةُ لِلْجِنْسِlā of absolute negation
الِاسْمُthe subject of lā
الْخَبَرُthe predicate of lā
الْمُفْرَدُa non-annexed single expression

3. La of Absolute Negation: Worked Examples

Example and grammatical analysis

Arabic exampleMeaningGrammatical point
لَا رَجُلَ فِي الدَّارِThere is no man in the house.Rajula is the subject of lā.
لَا طَالِبَ عِلْمٍ مَذْمُومٌNo seeker of knowledge is blameworthy.The subject of lā is annexed.
لَا قَبِيحًا فِعْلُهُ مَحْبُوبٌOne whose deed is ugly is not loved.The subject resembles an annexed expression.
لَا بَأْسَThere is no harm.The predicate is understood from context.

4. La of Absolute Negation: Rules and Distinctions

Keep the rules distinct
• Rule 1: The subject of lā must be indefinite.
• Rule 2: Nothing should separate lā from its subject.
• Rule 3: A non-annexed subject of lā is built on its accusative sign.
• Rule 4: The predicate of lā is nominative and may be omitted when understood.

5. La of Absolute Negation: Review and Application

Lesson summary
• Lā of absolute negation denies an entire class and, under its conditions, governs like inna.
• لَا رَجُلَ فِي الدَّارِ: Rajula is the subject of lā.
• لَا طَالِبَ عِلْمٍ مَذْمُومٌ: The subject of lā is annexed.
• لَا قَبِيحًا فِعْلُهُ مَحْبُوبٌ: The subject resembles an annexed expression.
• لَا بَأْسَ: The predicate is understood from context.
Next step: Identify the governor, governed word, and case sign separately in each example.

Practice questions

Question 1: Core Idea

Which statement gives the core definition of this lesson?

  • Lā of absolute negation denies an entire class and, under its conditions, governs like inna.
  • lā of absolute negation
  • the subject of lā
  • the predicate of lā

Question 2: Terms and Meanings

Match each Arabic term with its correct meaning.

Question 3: Meaning of the Example

Choose the correct meaning of لَا رَجُلَ فِي الدَّارِ.

  • One whose deed is ugly is not loved.
  • There is no harm.
  • There is no man in the house.
  • No seeker of knowledge is blameworthy.

Question 4: Rule Check

Is this statement true or false? The subject of lā must be indefinite.

  • Only with verbs
  • True
  • False
  • Only with nouns

Question 5: Examples and Meanings

Match each Arabic example with its correct meaning.

Question 6: Identify the Term

What is the correct meaning of لَا النَّافِيَةُ لِلْجِنْسِ?

  • the subject of lā
  • the predicate of lā
  • a non-annexed single expression
  • lā of absolute negation

Question 7: Grammatical Analysis

Choose the correct grammatical analysis of لَا طَالِبَ عِلْمٍ مَذْمُومٌ.

  • The subject resembles an annexed expression.
  • The predicate is understood from context.
  • Rajula is the subject of lā.
  • The subject of lā is annexed.

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