Using a Verbal Noun Instead of أن
In Modern Standard Arabic, you can express 'to do something' in two ways: using أن + a verb (e.g., 'that I travel') or using a verbal noun (e.g., 'the traveling'). The verbal noun is the preferred choice for formal writing and news.
How It Works
This pattern is a hallmark of high-level Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). While both forms are grammatically correct, the use of the maṣdar is more frequent in academic, journalistic, and formal contexts.
Key Rules for Usage:
- Definiteness: When the verbal noun stands alone as an object, it usually takes the definite article الـ (e.g., أريدُ السفرَ).
- Iḍāfa Construction: If the verbal noun is followed by an object (the thing being acted upon), it forms an iḍāfa. In this case, the maṣdar loses its الـ and the following noun takes the genitive case (e.g., أحبُّ قراءةَ الكتبِ).
- Case Endings: Since the maṣdar is a noun, it follows standard case rules. It is often the direct object (accusative/fatḥa) after verbs like 'want' or 'like', or the subject (nominative/ḍamma) after 'must'.
Stylistic Nuance:
Using an + verb often emphasizes the specific person and time of the action. Using the maṣdar focuses on the concept of the action itself, making it feel more 'timeless' and objective.
Examples (5)
- أريدُ السفرَ إلى الخارج.
I want to travel abroad.
Word by Word: I want the traveling to the outside.
Here, the verbal noun 'السفر' (the traveling) replaces 'أن أسافر' (that I travel).
- يجبُ عليكَ الالتزامُ بالقوانين.
You must abide by the laws.
Word by Word: The abiding by the laws is necessary upon you.
The maṣdar 'الالتزام' (abiding/commitment) is used instead of 'أن تلتزم' (that you abide).
- أحبُّ قراءةَ الكتبِ التاريخية.
I love reading historical books.
Word by Word: I love reading (of) the books the historical.
This shows an iḍāfa construction: 'قراءة' (reading) drops the 'al-' because it is joined to 'الكتب'.
- قررَ المديرُ تأجيلَ الاجتماع.
The manager decided to postpone the meeting.
Word by Word: Decided the manager postponing (of) the meeting.
A formal way to express a decision using the maṣdar of Form II 'تأجيل'.
- يُفضّلُ البقاءَ في البيتِ اليوم.
He prefers to stay at home today.
Word by Word: He prefers the staying in the house today.
The maṣdar 'البقاء' acts as the direct object of the verb 'prefers'.
Common Mistakes
Leaving the masdar bare, without "al-" or an object ending.
أريد سفر إلى مصر.أريدُ السفرَ إلى مصر.To say "I want to travel to Egypt", use the definite masdar السفر with the accusative ending. A bare سفر also needs its ending (سفراً) and would mean "a trip".
Using 'an' and the verbal noun together.
أريد أن السفر.أريدُ السفرَ.The verbal noun replaces the 'an + verb' structure entirely. You cannot use 'an' before a noun.
Keeping the 'al-' on the maṣdar when it is followed by a noun in iḍāfa.
أحبُّ القراءةَ الكتبَ.أحبُّ قراءةَ الكتبِ.When a noun is the first part of an iḍāfa, it must never have the definite article 'al-'.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand how to use a verbal noun instead of a verb clause, you first need to be familiar with the standard 'أن + verb' construction. You also need to know how to form and identify verbal nouns (Masdar) and understand their role as objects within a sentence.
- أن + Subjunctive VerbWanting to Do Something
This pattern is the direct alternative to using a verbal noun, so the learner must understand the 'أن + verb' structure first.
Level 2 - The Verbal Noun
The learner must understand what a verbal noun (Masdar) is and how it is formed to use it as a replacement for a verb clause.
Level 3
Related Patterns
- Possession by Joining Two Nouns
Used when the verbal noun acts upon another noun (e.g., 'reading books').
Level 1 - The Direct Object
The grammatical role the verbal noun usually plays when following verbs of volition.
Level 2 - The Clause Acting as a Noun
The technical term for the 'an + verb' clause that functions as a noun.
Level 4 - يجب أنMust
A common construction where learners often choose between the verb or the maṣdar.
Level 2
Words in This Pattern
Practice Using a Verbal Noun Instead of أن in Bubblegum
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