Repeating the Verb for Emphasis

Level 3

The Absolute Object (المفعول المطلق) is a noun, usually a verbal noun, that reinforces or describes the verb. It is always in the accusative case (منصوب) and typically shares the same root as the verb, though it can also be a synonym or a substitute word like 'all' or 'some'.

How It Works

The المفعول المطلق is a verbal noun (masdar) that appears in the accusative case. It serves three main rhetorical purposes:

  • Emphasis (التوكيد): Confirms the action happened. The masdar stands alone.
  • Type or Manner (بيان النوع): Describes how the action was performed, usually followed by an adjective or Idafa.
  • Number (بيان العدد): Specifies frequency.

Substitutes (نائب المفعول المطلق): Other words can take the place of the primary masdar:

  • Adjective of the Masdar: When the masdar is deleted and only its adjective remains (e.g., سرتُ سريعاً).
  • Quantifiers: Using كل (all) or بعض (some) followed by the masdar.
  • Demonstratives: Using this to point to the action.
  • Instruments: Naming the tool used for the action (e.g., hitting with a 'stick').
  • Synonyms and Numbers: Words with the same meaning but different roots, or the specific count of the action.
  • Pronoun (ضمير المصدر): A pronoun referring back to a previously mentioned masdar (e.g., اجتهدتُ اجتهاداً لم يجتهدْه أحدٌ).
  • Ism al-Masdar: A noun that carries the meaning of the verb but lacks some of its original root letters (e.g., توضأتُ وضوءاً).

Examples (6)

  1. فرحتُ بنجاحي فرحاً شديداً

    I rejoiced in my success with great joy.

    Word by Word: I-rejoiced in-success-my a-rejoicing intense

    Here, 'فرحاً' is the Absolute Object describing the 'type' of joy using an adjective.

  2. سرتُ سريعاً

    I walked quickly.

    Word by Word: I-walked quickly

    In this sentence, the adjective 'سريعاً' acts as a substitute for the omitted verbal noun 'سيراً' (a walking).

  3. ضربتُ الكرةَ عصاً

    I hit the ball with a stick.

    Word by Word: I-hit the-ball a-stick

    The word 'عصاً' (stick) acts as a substitute for the Absolute Object because it is the instrument used for the action.

  4. قلتُ هذا القولَ

    I said this statement.

    Word by Word: I-said this the-saying

    The demonstrative pronoun 'هذا' acts as a substitute for the Absolute Object when pointing to the verbal noun.

  5. طرقَ البابَ طرقتينِ

    He knocked on the door twice.

    Word by Word: He-knocked the-door two-knocks

    The dual form 'طرقتينِ' indicates the number of times the action occurred.

  6. شكراً جزيلاً

    Thank you very much.

    Word by Word: Thanking great

    A common phrase where the Absolute Object remains while the verb is omitted.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the nominative case instead of the accusative.

    فرحتُ فرحٌ
    فرحتُ فرحاً

    The Absolute Object must always be in the accusative case (manṣūb), usually ending in tanwīn fatḥa.

  • Confusing it with the Direct Object (Maf'ul Bihi).

    ضربتُ الضربَ
    ضربتُ الكرةَ ضرباً

    The Direct Object is the thing receiving the action (the ball), while the Absolute Object is the action itself (the hitting) used for emphasis.

How It Connects

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Repeating the Verb for EmphasisLevel 3

Learn This First

To learn the المفعول المطلق (Absolute Object), you first need to understand how to form the 'Masdar' (verbal noun) from a verb, as this is the word that is repeated. Additionally, since this object is always in the accusative case, you must be familiar with the 'Mansub' case endings. Finally, because this pattern is often used with adjectives to describe how an action was performed, knowledge of adjective agreement (Na't) is necessary.

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