LessonsSeven Semantic Functions of Form VI (Tafāʿul): Reciprocity, Multiplicity, Pretence, Response, Equivalence, and Independent UsesQuiz

تَرَافَعَا شَيْئًا
Translation: Two people lifted one thing together.

ElementAnalysisImplication
تَرَافَعَاPast, third-person masculine dualTwo doers
Dual alifSubject pronounEncodes their number
شَيْئًاAccusative objectOne thing being lifted

Despite the dual verbal ending, the object is singular. The number of actors does not prove repetition of the action. This exemplifies the book's distinction between the issuing and the occurrence of the act.

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Dual Agreement and the Object

Seven Semantic Functions of Form VI (Tafāʿul): Reciprocity, Multiplicity, Pretence, Response, Equivalence, and Independent Uses

تَرَافَعَا شَيْئًا
Translation: Two people lifted one thing together.

ElementAnalysisImplication
تَرَافَعَاPast, third-person masculine dualTwo doers
Dual alifSubject pronounEncodes their number
شَيْئًاAccusative objectOne thing being lifted

Despite the dual verbal ending, the object is singular. The number of actors does not prove repetition of the action. This exemplifies the book's distinction between the issuing and the occurrence of the act.