Using Idhaa for Present Habits

إِذَا works like a logic gate in a computer. If the first thing happens, the second thing follows. In English, we use the present tense for both parts. Arabic likes to be a bit more dramatic. It uses the past tense to set the scene. This shows that the condition is a "done deal." Once that condition is met, the habit kicks in. The second part of the sentence usually uses the present tense. This shows the habit is ongoing. It is a beautiful mix of "done" and "doing." Even though we use a past tense verb, the meaning is present. It describes what you do every single time. It is like saying, "Once this has happened, I always do that."

1. 1Building these sentences is like following a simple recipe. You only need three main ingredients.
2. 2Start your sentence with the word إِذَا.
3. 3Use a verb in the past tense for the condition.
4. 4Use a verb in the present tense for the resulting habit.
5. 5For example: إِذَا + دَرَسْتُ (I studied/study) + أَنْجَحُ (I succeed).
6. 6Together it becomes: إِذَا دَرَسْتُ، أَنْجَحُ.
7. 7This translates to "Whenever I study, I succeed."
8. 8You can also reverse the order for emphasis sometimes. But for now, stick to this classic pattern. It is the safest way to avoid grammar traffic jams. Remember to keep your verbs matching the same person. If you start with "I," finish with "I."

Use إِذَا when you are talking about certainties. These are things that are part of your personality or routine.

• Daily Routines: "Whenever I wake up, I drink water."
• General Truths: "Whenever the sun sets, it gets dark."
• Personal Habits: "Whenever I feel stressed, I go for a walk."
• Work Scenarios: "Whenever the boss enters, we stand up."
• Interviews: "Whenever I face a problem, I find a solution."

It is perfect for describing who you are to new friends. It shows you are a person of habit and consistency. Use it when you are 100% sure the result will happen. If there is a chance it won't happen, we use a different word. But for your reliable habits, إِذَا is king.

Do not use إِذَا for things that are unlikely to happen. If you are saying "If I win the lottery," do not use this. That is a dream, not a habit! Also, do not use it for specific, one-time future events. For example, "If you see him tomorrow, tell him hi." For those "maybe" moments, Arabic uses the word إِنْ. إِذَا is reserved for the regulars. Don't use it for things that happened only once in the past. If you are telling a story about yesterday, use لَمَّا (when). Think of إِذَا as a repeat button on your playlist. If it doesn't repeat, don't press the button.

The biggest mistake is using the present tense for both verbs. English speakers do this all the time because it feels natural. You might want to say إِذَا أَجُوعُ، آكُلُ. While people will understand you, it sounds a bit "clunky." It’s like wearing your shirt backward. Another mistake is mixing up إِذَا (Idhaa) with إِذَنْ (Idhan). They sound similar but إِذَنْ means "therefore." Don't let the sounds trip you up. Yes, even native speakers mess this up when they are tired! Also, watch out for the "result" part. Some people try to add the letter فَ (fa) before the second verb. In simple habit sentences, you usually don't need it. Keep it simple and the grammar stays happy.

Let’s compare إِذَا with its cousin, إِنْ.

• إِذَا is for certainty. "Whenever it rains (and it will), the ground gets wet."
• إِنْ is for possibility. "If it rains (maybe it won't), I will stay home."

There is also كُلَّمَا (Kullamaa). This means "every time." It is very similar to إِذَا but a bit more formal. You can use كُلَّمَا to sound more like a poet. But for daily chats, إِذَا is much more common. Think of إِذَا as your everyday sneakers. كُلَّمَا is your fancy dress shoes. Both get you where you're going, but one is more comfortable for a walk in the park.