Using Prepositions with Verbs in Arabic: Essential Rules and Exercises

Mastering the use of prepositions with verbs in Arabic is a crucial step toward achieving fluency and accuracy in the language. Arabic prepositions, or حروف الجر (ḥurūf al-jarr), are used to indicate various relationships between verbs and their objects, such as direction, location, time, and manner. Unlike in English, where prepositions are relatively straightforward, Arabic prepositions often change based on the verb they accompany, making them a challenging yet essential aspect of learning the language. This complexity means that even advanced learners sometimes struggle with choosing the correct preposition, making a thorough understanding of this topic indispensable for effective communication. In this section, we provide you with essential rules and exercises designed to help you navigate the intricacies of Arabic prepositions when used with verbs. Our comprehensive guide breaks down the most commonly used verb-preposition combinations, illustrating how their meanings can shift depending on the context. Through a series of targeted exercises, you will have the opportunity to practice and reinforce your understanding, ensuring that you can use these combinations accurately and confidently. Whether you are a beginner looking to build a strong foundation or an advanced learner aiming to refine your skills, these exercises will equip you with the tools you need to master this vital component of the Arabic language.

Exercise 1

1. أنا أذهب *إلى* المدرسة كل يوم (preposition for direction).

2. جلسنا *في* الحديقة بعد الظهر (preposition for place).

3. وضعت الكتاب *على* الطاولة (preposition for placement).

4. أرسل الرسالة *إلى* صديقي في الخارج (preposition for sending something to someone).

5. تحدثنا *عن* خططنا المستقبلية (preposition for discussing a topic).

6. عملت *مع* زملائي في المشروع (preposition for cooperation or working together).

7. استمتعت *بـ*العطلة الصيفية (preposition for expressing enjoyment).

8. نذهب *إلى* السوق كل أسبوع (preposition for destination).

9. انتظرت *في* المحطة لمدة ساعة (preposition for waiting at a place).

10. أدرس *في* المكتبة بعد المدرسة (preposition for studying at a place).

Exercise 2

1. أذهب *إلى* المدرسة كل يوم (preposition for direction).

2. هو يتحدث *عن* الكتاب الجديد (preposition for topic).

3. جلست *في* الحديقة لأقرأ كتاباً (preposition for location).

4. مررت *بـ* منزل صديقي في طريقي (preposition for passing by).

5. وصلت *إلى* المدينة مساءً (preposition for reaching a place).

6. فكرت *في* الحل المناسب للمشكلة (preposition for thinking).

7. حلمت *بـ* السفر إلى أوروبا (preposition for dreaming).

8. التقيت *مع* صديقي في المقهى (preposition for meeting).

9. تحدثت *إلى* المدير بشأن الترقية (preposition for speaking to someone).

10. ساعدت جاري *في* إصلاح السيارة (preposition for helping in something).

Exercise 3

1. أذهب *إلى* المدرسة كل يوم (preposition for direction).

2. هو يفكر *في* المشكلة طوال الوقت (preposition for thought).

3. نحن نتحدث *عن* الموضوع المهم (preposition for talking about a topic).

4. هي تسأل *عن* حالتي الصحية (preposition for inquiring).

5. يجب أن تعتمد *على* نفسك في الدراسة (preposition for reliance).

6. هو يسعى *إلى* النجاح في حياته (preposition for striving towards).

7. كنت أبحث *عن* الكتاب المفقود (preposition for searching).

8. أنا مهتم *بـ* الرياضة كثيرا (preposition for interest).

9. عليك أن تصبر *على* الصعوبات (preposition for enduring).

10. هي تعمل *في* شركة كبيرة (preposition for location of work).