The nominative constituent after defective kāna is called its ism, not an ordinary verbal fāʿil. Contrast kataba Zaydun with kāna Zaydun kātiban.
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Ism Kāna versus Ordinary Fāʿil
Defective Verbs: Kāna and Its Sisters
The nominative constituent after defective kāna is called its ism, not an ordinary verbal fāʿil. Contrast kataba Zaydun with kāna Zaydun kātiban.