Fixed Exception Phrases with Accusative

Think of a group of things. You accept the whole group, but you want to kick one member out. In Arabic, you mention the group first, then drop the word illā (except), and finally mention the outcast.

Here’s the golden rule for A1 learners: In a positive sentence (where you aren't saying "no" or "not"), the word after illā must be in the accusative case. This means if you write it fully, it ends with a *fatḥa* (short 'a' vowel) or *tanwīn fatḥ* (an 'an' sound).

Think of illā as a bouncer at a club. It lets everyone in, but stops that *one* guy. And to mark him as the rejected one, it stamps an 'a' on his forehead. Simple, right?

1. 1Building these sentences is like making a sandwich. Here is your recipe:
2. 2The General Statement: Start with a normal positive sentence involving a group or "whole amount."
3. 3*Example:* waṣala al-ḍuyūf (The guests arrived).
4. 4The Exception Tool: Add illā.
5. 5*Example:* waṣala al-ḍuyūf illā... (The guests arrived except...)
6. 6The Exception (The Outcast): Add the specific noun you are excluding. Important: Give it the Accusative ending (usually *-a* or *-an*).
7. 7*Example:* Zaydan (Zayd).
8. 8Full Sentence: Waṣala al-ḍuyūf illā Zaydan (The guests arrived except Zayd).

Use this whenever you want to exclude a specific item from a general statement. It’s perfect for:

• Ordering food: "I eat everything except meat."
• Scheduling: "I am free every day except Friday."
• General preferences: "I like all sports except golf."

It makes you sound precise and a bit dramatic, which is always fun in a new language.

Don't use this specific "fixed accusative" pattern if the sentence is negative (like "I *didn't* see anyone except Zayd"). When the sentence starts with "No" or "Not" (lā or mā), the grammar rules get a bit slippery (like a wet floor sign appears), and the ending might change. For now, stick to positive statements!

Also, don't use it if you are just saying "But..." (lākin). Exception implies removing something from a group, not just contradicting a statement.

• Forgetting the 'a' sound: The most common slip-up is saying illā Zayd (pausing) or illā Zaydun. Nope! It demands that specific Zaydan sound. It’s strict like that.
• Using it in negative sentences too early: Beginners often try to say "I didn't eat anything except bread" using this exact rule. While understandable, the grammar technically shifts there. Stick to "I ate everything except bread" for now.
• Mixing up pronouns: Saying illā huwa (except he) is awkward. You’d typically use a different structure or an attached pronoun, but that's for later. Stick to nouns!

• Lākin (But): Lākin connects two different ideas. Illā removes a piece from a whole pie.
• *Lākin:* "I like tea, but I don't have any."
• *Illā:* "I like all drinks except tea."
• Ghayr (Other than): You might hear ghayr. It works similarly but steals the vowel for itself. Illā is a particle; ghayr acts like a noun. Illā is generally easier for beginners to spot and use.

Q: Do I always have to write the vowel marking?

In casual texting? No. But when speaking formally or reading, you *must* pronounce that 'a' or 'an' at the end. It's part of the rhythm.

Q: What if the word has 'AL' (The)?

Good question! It still takes a *fatḥa* (a). Illā al-mudira (Except the manager). It just doesn't get the 'n' sound (tanwīn) because 'AL' and 'tanwīn' hate each other.

Q: Can I use this with verbs?

Not really. You can't say "except running." You'd have to turn "running" into a noun. Stick to objects and people for now.

Q: Is this formal or slang?

It's Standard Arabic (Fusha). In very slangy dialects, rules loosen up, but illā is universally understood.

Think of illā like a traffic light that is permanently set to "ACCUSATIVE RED" for the word following it. You can't just cruise through without checking your ending!