1. Find kāna or a sister verb in its incomplete-verb use.
2. Ask who or what is described: that is the nominative ism kāna.
3. Ask what is predicated: that is the accusative khabar kāna, whether a word or clause.
4. Check ordinary and fronted order separately; remember the special restrictions mentioned for mā-forms and the dispute over laysa.
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Summary and a Four-Step Method
The Ism of Kāna and Its Sisters
1. Find kāna or a sister verb in its incomplete-verb use.
2. Ask who or what is described: that is the nominative ism kāna.
3. Ask what is predicated: that is the accusative khabar kāna, whether a word or clause.
4. Check ordinary and fronted order separately; remember the special restrictions mentioned for mā-forms and the dispute over laysa.