Good "quick and dirty" guide to Verb formation, February 21, 2003

This is a nice outline of Arabic verb structures, but is not by any stretch of the imagination what the back cover suggests that it is (i.e. something to the effect that it is a "one-stop-shop" for Arabic Grammar). It should be noted that it does absolutely nothing with noun structures (cases etc.)

If you already have a grasp of verb structures and just want a basic-review / memory-refresher in one slim volume, this is the book for you.

For someone who is newer to the language, but has the alphabet down already, I would look to Schulz's "Standard Arabic - An Elementary-Intermediate Course" [these guys really cut to the proverbial chase and get going quickly, I reccomend this one more for folks with an existing background in linguistics and who already speak at least one other foreign language] or Brustad's "Al-Kitaab" series [the latter goes at a slower pace that many will find more digestable, especially if one doesn't have some background in linguistics jargon]. With either of these, I cannot reccomend strongly enough that you get the accompanying audio materials.

Arabic Grammar at an English Pace..., August 28, 2003

If you have no experience in Arabic grammar (like me), but you're serious about learning to read and write the language (like I'm trying to do), this is a good supplement to your other learning materials. If a grammatical question arises in your studies, it's probably answered here, but I wouldn't try using this book alone to learn to read and write Arabic. Mah Salama.

a good start, but that's it, June 22, 2004

First off, it looks like I might have an older edition of this book, so maybe it has been improved. The edition I have is concise, with some errors, and is okay as a reference for beginning students. It's quick and simple to use. But it's nowhere near in-depth enough for advanced students, and even intermediate learners will find it frustrating a fair amount of the time. Use it in conjunction with a variety of other resources.

Aboo Imraan's review of Arabic Verbs and Essentials of Gramm, January 17, 2004

This book is excellent when you need to learn Arabic verbs using the English Medium and if you do not have access to an Arabic speaker who can check the way you pronounce the verbs. However do not rely too much on this book after you have completed the 3 Madeenah Arabic Grammar books. After you complete those three books you will be able by the will of Allah to read and comprehend the explanation of "Al-Ajurumiyyah" entitled "At-Tufah As-Saniyyah" by Muhammad Muhyee-ud-Deen and after that the explanation of "Al-Ajurumiyyah" by Shaykh Saalih al-Uthaymeen. Both books are in Arabic and after studying both of them many students of knowledge were able to comprehend the Arabic language better than some students who study Arabic in Yale or Princeton! So as a beginner book in learning the basics of the Arabic verbs then use it, but after you get into scholarly works of the Major Scholars then this book may end up collecting a lot of dust, just like my old copy that is just sitting in my maktabah. lol

Definitely Essential, December 31, 2003
Reviewer: A reader
Very easy to read and understand...as someone else said...it is Arabic grammar at an English pace. The chapters are easy to follow and will assist both beginning students and those in higher levels of study. If you are taking Arabic at the University level (which is still basic--even at the 300 level) get this book.

Must have for new students, December 26, 2003

This is the one book you will return to again and again. It's user friendly, concise, and offers solid examples of usage. It's the reference book that is so simple yet needed. I brought this to class one day and a few people asked to look at it. Now over half the class has bought one.

The problem with many Arabic textbooks is they don't offer an explanation for the grammar, structure or usage. The philosphy is students will pick it up and figure it out. I like knowing why things are the way they are and how it all compares to English.

This is one of a couple of books that anyone who is serious about learning arabic needs. It makes things less confusing and can be used as a quick reference when no one offers an explanation.