In 15 Seconds
- A very formal way to say 'ninthly' in a long sequence.
- Used primarily in academic, legal, or highly structured professional contexts.
- Implies a high level of organization and intellectual depth in arguments.
Meaning
This phrase is a formal way to say 'ninthly' or 'in the ninth place' during a long list or argument. It signals that you are deep into a structured explanation or a very detailed series of points.
Key Examples
3 of 6Writing a formal academic paper
في المقام التاسع، يجب أن ننظر إلى التأثير البيئي للمشروع.
In the ninth place, we must look at the environmental impact of the project.
A lawyer presenting a long list of evidence
وفي المقام التاسع، نجد أن الشهود لم يتفقوا على التوقيت.
And ninthly, we find that the witnesses did not agree on the timing.
Sarcastic response to a friend who is over-explaining
نعم، وفي المقام التاسع، هل ستخبرني كيف أتنفس أيضاً؟
Yes, and in the ninth place, are you going to tell me how to breathe too?
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Maqam' is central to the study of Balagha (eloquence). It emphasizes that speech must be tailored to the 'station' of the audience. In Arab legal systems, especially those influenced by the civil law tradition, judgments are highly structured. 'In the ninth place' is a standard way to transition between legal arguments. Arabic academic writing remains more formal than its Western counterparts. Using these classical transitions is seen as a sign of high literacy and respect for the language. In the Arab League or UN speeches in Arabic, these markers help translators and listeners follow complex, multi-point policy statements.
Consistency is Key
If you start a list with 'في المقام الأول', you must continue with 'في المقام الثاني', etc. Don't switch to 'ثانياً' halfway through.
Gender Agreement
Always keep 'Tasi' masculine. Even if the 'point' (nuqta) is feminine, 'Maqam' is masculine, and the number agrees with 'Maqam'.
In 15 Seconds
- A very formal way to say 'ninthly' in a long sequence.
- Used primarily in academic, legal, or highly structured professional contexts.
- Implies a high level of organization and intellectual depth in arguments.
What It Means
This phrase is used to introduce the ninth point in a sequence. It comes from the word مقام, which means a place, rank, or standing. When you use it, you aren't just counting. You are giving each point its own 'station' or importance. It sounds much more sophisticated than just saying the number nine. It tells your listener that your argument is well-organized and thorough.
How To Use It
You place في المقام التاسع at the very beginning of your sentence. It acts as a transition marker. Usually, you would have already used أولاً (firstly) and ثانياً (secondly). By the time you reach the ninth point, people know you mean business. It is followed by a comma and then your actual statement. It helps keep your thoughts from becoming a messy pile of ideas.
When To Use It
Use this in formal writing, like a university thesis or a legal brief. It is perfect for a serious business presentation where you have many data points. You might also use it in a heated debate to show you have thought things through. It works well in long-form articles or political speeches. If you want to sound like an intellectual powerhouse, this is your phrase.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this at a casual dinner with friends. If you start listing things 'in the ninth place' while ordering pizza, people will laugh. It is way too heavy for a quick text message. Avoid it in short conversations where you only have two or three points. Using it for a short list makes you sound unnecessarily robotic or pretentious. Keep it for the big, complex stuff.
Cultural Background
Arabic culture has a long history of rhetoric and structured logic. Classical scholars often wrote books with dozens of numbered points to cover every detail. The word مقام is also used in Arabic music to describe melodic modes. This gives the phrase a sense of 'resonance' and 'structure.' It reflects a cultural appreciation for deep, exhaustive explanation and intellectual rigor.
Common Variations
The most common alternative is simply تاسعاً (ninthly). You might also hear من الناحية التاسعة (from the ninth perspective). In very old texts, you might see العاشر إلا واحداً (the tenth minus one), though that is rare now. في المرتبة التاسعة is another variation that focuses more on 'rank' than 'station.' Stick to the main phrase for the most formal impact.
Usage Notes
This phrase belongs to the highest register of Arabic. It is almost exclusively found in written texts or formal speeches. Using it correctly demonstrates a high level of linguistic competence (C1/C2).
Consistency is Key
If you start a list with 'في المقام الأول', you must continue with 'في المقام الثاني', etc. Don't switch to 'ثانياً' halfway through.
Gender Agreement
Always keep 'Tasi' masculine. Even if the 'point' (nuqta) is feminine, 'Maqam' is masculine, and the number agrees with 'Maqam'.
The Power of 9
Reaching a 9th point shows you are a serious intellectual. Use it sparingly to maintain its impact.
Examples
6في المقام التاسع، يجب أن ننظر إلى التأثير البيئي للمشروع.
In the ninth place, we must look at the environmental impact of the project.
This adds a layer of professional structure to a complex research paper.
وفي المقام التاسع، نجد أن الشهود لم يتفقوا على التوقيت.
And ninthly, we find that the witnesses did not agree on the timing.
Used here to show the lawyer has many points to discredit the case.
نعم، وفي المقام التاسع، هل ستخبرني كيف أتنفس أيضاً؟
Yes, and in the ninth place, are you going to tell me how to breathe too?
The extreme formality creates a humorous, sarcastic effect in a casual setting.
وفي المقام التاسع، أريدك أن تعرف أنني لم أفقد الأمل أبداً.
And in the ninth place, I want you to know that I never lost hope.
Using a formal structure for deep emotions can make them feel more weighty.
في المقام التاسع، نوصي بتوسيع نطاق التسويق الرقمي.
Ninthly, we recommend expanding the digital marketing scope.
Shows the consultant has a comprehensive plan for the company.
وفي المقام التاسع، نسيت غسل الصحون!
And ninthly, you forgot to wash the dishes!
Hyper-formal language used for a mundane task to show annoyance.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the phrase.
لَقَدْ ذَكَرْتُ ثَمانِيَ نِقاطٍ، والآنَ سَأَنْتَقِلُ إلى ما سَأَذْكُرُهُ ___.
The context is formal, so 'في المقام التاسع' is the correct ordinal masculine form.
Which sentence uses the phrase in the correct register?
Choose the correct sentence:
The legal context (judgment) is the only one that matches the very formal register of the phrase.
Match the phrase to the most likely document it would appear in.
Where would you find 'في المقام التاسع'?
Academic writing is the primary home for such structured rhetorical markers.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesلَقَدْ ذَكَرْتُ ثَمانِيَ نِقاطٍ، والآنَ سَأَنْتَقِلُ إلى ما سَأَذْكُرُهُ ___.
The context is formal, so 'في المقام التاسع' is the correct ordinal masculine form.
Choose the correct sentence:
The legal context (judgment) is the only one that matches the very formal register of the phrase.
Where would you find 'في المقام التاسع'?
Academic writing is the primary home for such structured rhetorical markers.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, just change it to 'في المقام العاشر' (fi al-maqam al-ashir).
It's not 'better,' but it is more formal and carries more rhetorical weight.
In this context, yes, but it can also mean status, musical mode, or a shrine.
Only if the email is a very formal report or a legal notice.
Related Phrases
في المَقامِ الأَوَّل
builds onIn the first place / Primarily
تاسِعاً
synonymNinthly
في المَقامِ الأَخير
contrastIn the last place
مِنْ جِهَةٍ أُخْرى
similarOn the other hand
