The Absolute Object for Emphasizing

The logic is simple: you take the verb you just used, find its root noun (the Masdar), and stick it at the end of the sentence. By repeating the root concept, you are confirming that the action *definitely* happened. There is no doubt. It’s not just "I ran"; it is "I ran a running." In English, that sounds redundant and weird. In Arabic, it sounds poetic and assertive. It locks the meaning in place. It tells the listener, "I'm not using a metaphor here; I mean this literally and intensely."

1. 1Getting the structure right is easier than finding a parking spot in downtown Cairo. Here is the recipe:
2. 2Start with your Verb (Past, Present, or Imperative).
3. 3Find the Masdar (Verbal Noun) of that specific verb.
4. 4Put the Masdar in the Accusative Case (Mansub). This usually means it ends with –an (Tanween Fatha).
5. 5So, daraba (he hit) becomes daraba darban (he hit [a hitting]).

Use this when you need to be taken seriously. It’s perfect for:

• Arguments: When someone doubts you.
• Formal Speeches: Politicians and CEOs love this stuff.
• Apologies: "I apologize *apology*" sounds much more sincere.
• Storytelling: To highlight a climactic action.

Think of it as bolding text in an email. It draws the eye (or ear) to the action.

Don't overuse it in casual, mundane chitchat. If you say, "I drank the water *a drinking*" (sharibtu al-maa'a sharban) just to say you were thirsty, people will stare at you. They might wonder if it was the greatest glass of water in history. Keep it in your pocket for when you need that extra punch. Also, avoid it if you are already using strong adverbs; sometimes less is more.

The most classic blunder is messing up the case ending. The Absolute Object is *always* Mansub (Accusative). It is never Marfu' (Nominative) or Majrur (Genitive).

• Wrong: namat nawmun (She slept a sleep - with un sound).
• Right: namat nawman (She slept a sleep - with an sound).

Another mistake is guessing the wrong Masdar. Every verb has a specific Masdar. You can't just make one up that sounds catchy. If the verb is intalaqa (to launch), the Masdar is intilaqan, not taliqan.

Learners often confuse this with the "Cognate Accusative of Type." That is a fancy name for adding an adjective.

• Emphasis (This Rule): jarytu jaryan (I ran *a running* = I really ran).
• Indication of Type (Next Level): jarytu jaryan sari'an (I ran a *fast* running).

If you stop at the noun, it is Emphasis. If you describe the noun, it describes the *kind* of action. Today, we are just focusing on the hard stop—the pure Emphasis.

Q: Can I use this with any verb?

Pretty much, yes! As long as the verb has a Masdar (which they do), you are good to go.

Q: Do I always translate it as "really"?

Usually, yes. Or "completely," "absolutely," or just vocal stress. Don't translate it literally as "I wrote a writing."

Q: Is shukran related to this?

You bet! shukran is actually an Absolute Object where the verb ashkuru (I thank) was deleted because it's so obvious. It literally means "[I thank you] a thanking."