Verb Connectors in Arabic - Exploring The use of أنْ & أنّ with verbs: MSA and Jordanian-Palestinian Dialect

This blog will guide you through the connector verbs in Arabic by exploring The difference between AN and ANNA in Arabic. It’s the way in Arabic to connect your ideas in MSA and in Jordanian Palestinian dialect

Learners often hear teachers talk about “connector verbs” when they really mean the little words that connect clauses. In Arabic grammar, the two big ones are:

أنْ (an)

أنَّ / إنَّ (anna/inna)

What does ‘an’ أنْ do in Arabic?

أنْ links a first verb to a second verb, often in the present tense. In fully vocalized MSA, the second verb is in the subjunctive (منصوب), often marked by a final fatHa -a (other case endings might apply in case of plural, dual and feminine conjugations) Don’t worry—most everyday texts aren’t fully vowelled, but it’s useful to know..

Common with verbs of desire, attempt, intention, obligation and expressions of importance, such as:

أريد أنْ  = I want to … Example: أريد أنْ أذهبَ إلى البيت = I want to go home.

أحبّ أنْ  = I like to … Example: أحبّ أنْ أشربَ القهوة في الصباح = I like to drink coffee in the morning.

أحاول أنْ  = I try to … Example: أحاول أنْ أتعلّمَ العربيةَ = I’m trying to learn Arabic.

قرّرتُ أنْ  = I decided to … Example: قرّرتُ ألاّ أذهبَ = I decided not to go. (ألّا = أنْ لا “nuun is assimilated”)

يجب أنْ  = it is necessary to … Example: يجب أنْ تدرسَ اليوم = You must study today.

Interested in more comprehensive list of verbs like these? Download a free document that summarizes the topic of verb connectors in Arabic!

Jordanian–Palestinian (Levantine) equivalent

أنْ is NOT used in ordinary speech. You simply put the two verbs next to each other, such as:

بدي أروح عالبيت = I want to go home.

بحب أشرب قهوة الصبح = I like to drink coffee in the morning.

بحاول أتعلم عربي = I’m trying to learn Arabic.

لازم تدرس اليوم = You have to study today.

قررت ما أروح = I decided not to go. (ما for negation)

What does ‘anna/inna’ أنّ/إنّ do in Arabic?

Those particles link a first verb to a full statement, not an action!

In MSA, it affects case: the noun after it becomes accusative (منصوب), and the predicate is nominative (مرفوع). Don’t worry—most everyday texts aren’t fully vowelled, but it’s useful to know.

Check out the following examples:

أعرف أنّ العربية جميلة = I know that Arabic is beautiful.

قال إنّه متعب = He said that he is tired.

أظنّ أنّهم قادمون = I think that they are coming.

قال الأستاذ إنّ الامتحان سيكون سهلًا = The teacher said that the exam will be easy. (قال takes inna إنّ not أنّ)

Jordanian–Palestinian (Levantine) equivalent: إنّو (inno)

The separate form looks and sounds like إنّو (often written “إنه/إنو” in informal text).

Examples:

بعرف إنه العربيّة حلوة = I know that Arabic is beautiful.

قال إنه تعبان = He said that he’s tired.

بظن إنهم جايين = I think that they’re coming.

ما طلعنا لأنه الجو شوب = We didn’t go out because it’s hot.

Note: In case of pronouns, the particles أنّ/إنّ/إنّو will be connected to attached pronouns.

إنّي / إنهم / إنك / etc…

In summary, the particles ‘anna/inna’ أنّ/إنّ is followed by a nominal sentence (x is y), while the particle ‘an’ أنْ is followed by a verbal sentence (often a present verb).

If you are looking for a structured learning environment, consider enrolling in our Speaking Guide Courses. Our expert-designed courses, with the AI-powered practice drills can guide you through your Arabic journey step by step and provide you with the support you need to succeed.

Also, check out our Free Practice Zone “The Learnground”.