● Do not move مَا after the verb.
● Do not remove the subject or object merely to make the sentence negative.
● Do not translate word by word; give an idiomatic meaning.
Correct: مَا سَرَقَ زَيْدٌ كِتَابَكَ
Zayd did not steal your book.
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Avoid These Mistakes
Negating Past-Tense Sentences with مَا
● Do not move مَا after the verb.
● Do not remove the subject or object merely to make the sentence negative.
● Do not translate word by word; give an idiomatic meaning.
Correct: مَا سَرَقَ زَيْدٌ كِتَابَكَ
Zayd did not steal your book.