Using Illaa: Expressing Exceptions

It translates directly to 'except' or 'minus'. It removes one item from a larger group mentioned earlier.

No, illā always needs something coming before it to 'except' from. You can't just start with 'Except...' unless you are answering a question.

No, there are others like ghayr and siwā, but illā is the primary particle used in grammar.

In formal grammar, yes, it often takes an 'a' ending (Mansub). In dialects, people usually just say the word naturally without changing the ending.

Yes! For example, 'The store is open 24 hours illā Monday' (*illā yawm al-ithnayn*).

You can say al-kullu illā anā.

illā is standard Arabic (Fusha) but is understood and used in dialects too, though dialects might pronounce it slightly differently or use ghayr more.

It is called *Al-Istithnā'* (الاستثناء).

It's mostly used with nouns or pronouns. If you use a verb, you often need a helper word like illā an... (except that...).

illā covers 'except' and 'except for'. You don't need an extra preposition.

Yes, very frequently. It is one of the most common particles in the Quran.

Yes! *Lā uḥibbu shay'an illā al-bītzā*. This is a perfect way to say 'I only like pizza'.

The combination of a Negative Particle (Mā/Lā) + illā creates the meaning of restriction or 'only'.

Yes, definitely. It's il-lā, not i-la. Ilā (with one L) means 'to'.

Huge difference! Ilā (إلى) means 'to' (going *to* the store). Illā (إلّا) means 'except'.

Yes. *'Ashara illā wāḥid* (Ten except one = Nine). It's sometimes used in telling time too.

It depends on the context, just like in English. 'Everyone is invited except you' is rude. 'Everyone passed except you' is just sad news.

Alif with Hamza below (إ), Lam with Shadda and Alif (لّا). Together: إلّا.

Yes, absolutely. 'All the cars illā the red ones'.

For beginners, it's just remembering not to confuse it with 'but'. Once you get that, it's easy.

Yes, it's used in writing and texting all the time.