Form X verbs (استفعل)

Introducing Form X Verbs (استفعل)

Form X verbs are created by adding the prefix استـ to a three-letter root (ف ع ل), forming the pattern استفعل.

In terms of meaning, Form X verbs often express seeking, requesting, or extracting something related to the root. For example, applying this pattern to the root for coming out or exiting (خ ر ج) creates the verb for "to extract" (استخرج). Because of this, Form X verbs are heavily used in vocabulary related to natural resources, science, and heavy industry.

Conjugating Form X in the Past Tense

The base past tense pattern for Form X is اسْتَفْعَلَ. Like other derived forms, its past tense conjugation is perfectly regular. Simply attach the standard past tense suffixes to the end of the base form.

Conjugating Form X in the Present Tense

The base present tense pattern for Form X is يَسْتَفْعِلُ.

When conjugating in the present tense, drop the initial ا from the prefix and replace it with the standard present tense prefix letters. Pay close attention to the vowels:

• The present tense prefix takes a fatha ( َ ).
• The س and the first root letter take a sukun ( ْ ).
• The ت takes a fatha ( َ ).
• The middle root letter takes a kasra ( ِ ).