Passive in the Present

Level 3

The Present Passive (الفعل المضارع المبني للمجهول) shifts focus from the 'who' to the 'what.' It is formed by changing the first vowel to a ḍamma (u) and the penultimate vowel to a fatḥa (a).

How It Works

The Present Passive is a hallmark of formal Modern Standard Arabic. Unlike English, which often includes the agent (e.g., 'by the teacher'), traditional Arabic grammar avoids naming the doer in a passive construction.

1. Morphological Rules:
To form the passive of a Present Tense verb, the word must feature two specific vowel characteristics:

  • The Present-Tense Prefix must carry a ḍamma (u). Note that in Form II, Form III, and Form IV, the active prefix already uses a ḍamma.
  • The penultimate (second-to-last) radical must carry a fatḥa (a). In Form V and Form VI, the active voice already has a fatḥa here, so only the prefix vowel changes.

2. Derived Forms and Constraints:
While the rule applies to most Verb Forms, it is not universal. Form VII (reflexive) and Form IX (colors/defects) do not have passive counterparts. Additionally, Intransitive Verbs generally cannot be made passive unless followed by a prepositional phrase. In derived forms, while the penultimate becomes a fatḥa, existing sukūns and long vowels (like the Alif in Form III) remain unchanged.

3. Weak Verbs:

  • Hollow Verbs: For Hollow Verbs, the middle weak letter becomes an Alif. For example, يقول becomes يُقال.
  • Defective Verbs: For Defective Verbs, the final weak letter becomes an Alif Maqṣūra (ى) to match the preceding fatḥa. For example, يرمي becomes يُرمى.

4. The Substitute Subject:
When a verb becomes passive, the Direct Object is promoted to the role of Substitute Subject. Crucially, it changes its case from Accusative to Nominative.

Examples (4)

  1. يُكتَبُ الدَّرسُ في الكِتابِ.

    The lesson is written in the book.

    Word by Word: Is written the lesson in the book.

    The verb 'yuktabu' is the passive form of 'yaktubu' (he writes). Note the ḍamma on the prefix and fatḥa on the second-to-last letter.

  2. تُؤخَذُ القَراراتُ بَعدَ الاِجتِماعِ.

    The decisions are taken after the meeting.

    Word by Word: Are taken the decisions after the meeting.

    The verb 'tu'khadhu' is feminine because 'al-qarārāt' (decisions) is a non-human plural, which takes feminine singular agreement.

  3. يُقالُ إنَّ اللُّغَةَ العَرَبِيَّةَ جَميلَةٌ.

    It is said that the Arabic language is beautiful.

    Word by Word: It is said that the language the Arabic beautiful.

    This is a common formal expression using the passive of a hollow verb (yaqūlu → yuqālu).

  4. يُستَخدَمُ الحاسوبُ لِلبَحثِ.

    The computer is used for research.

    Word by Word: Is used the computer for the research.

    An example of a Form X verb in the passive voice. The prefix 'yu-' and the penultimate 'a' are clearly visible.

Common Mistakes

  • Naming the doer of a passive verb with "min qibal".

    يُكتَبُ الدَّرسُ مِن قِبَلِ الطّالِبِ.
    يَكتُبُ الطّالِبُ الدَّرسَ.

    Traditional grammar avoids naming the doer after a passive verb, and some editors call "min qibal" a copy of English. It is common in modern media and many writers accept it. When the doer matters, the active voice is the safest choice.

  • Keeping the substitute subject in the accusative case.

    يُفتَحُ البابَ.
    يُفتَحُ البابُ.

    The 'Na'ib al-Fa'il' (substitute subject) must be in the nominative case (marfū‘), usually ending in a ḍamma.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

Passive in the PresentLevel 3

Learn This First

To understand the present passive, you must be comfortable with the standard present tense conjugation. You also need a solid grasp of short vowel marks, as the passive is formed by changing the vowels on the verb's prefix and the penultimate letter. Finally, familiarity with the passive concept in the past tense provides the necessary conceptual framework.