把 sentences
subject + 把 + object + verb + result
把 places a specific object before an action when the result or handling of that object matters.
请把门关上。
Please close the door.
我已经把作业做完了。
I have already finished the homework.
Common mistake: The verb normally needs a result, direction or other completion.
Correct model: A 把 verb normally needs a result or direction: 把门关上。
Quick practice
- Write a new sentence following
subject + 把 + object + verb + result. - Rewrite the common mistake above, then compare your structure with the two model sentences.
被 passive sentences
subject + 被 + agent + verb
被 marks the receiver of an action as the sentence topic.
我的自行车被他骑走了。
My bicycle was ridden away by him.
窗户被风吹开了。
The window was blown open by the wind.
Common mistake: Do not use 被 for every English passive when an active Chinese sentence is more natural.
Correct model: Use 被 only when making the affected object the topic helps the sentence.
Quick practice
- Write a new sentence following
subject + 被 + agent + verb. - Rewrite the common mistake above, then compare your structure with the two model sentences.
越来越…
越来越 + adjective/mental verb
越来越 describes a continuing change in degree.
天气越来越暖和了。
The weather is getting warmer and warmer.
我的汉语说得越来越自然。
My Chinese is sounding more and more natural.
Common mistake: Do not insert 很 between 越来越 and the adjective.
Correct model: Place the adjective directly after 越来越.
Quick practice
- Write a new sentence following
越来越 + adjective/mental verb. - Rewrite the common mistake above, then compare your structure with the two model sentences.
虽然…但是…
虽然 + contrast， 但是 + main point
Use this pair to concede one fact and then present a contrasting result.
虽然很累，但是他还在工作。
Although he is tired, he is still working.
虽然价格不便宜，但是质量很好。
Although it is not cheap, the quality is good.
Common mistake: Place the main conclusion after 但是.
Correct model: Put the main conclusion after 但是.
Quick practice
- Write a new sentence following
虽然 + contrast， 但是 + main point. - Rewrite the common mistake above, then compare your structure with the two model sentences.
除了…以外…
除了 + item + 以外， 都/还/也…
This pattern either excludes one item or adds information beyond it, depending on the following adverb.
除了汉语以外，她还会说英语。
Besides Chinese, she can also speak English.
除了周末以外，他每天都上班。
Except for weekends, he works every day.
Common mistake: Use 都 for an exclusion reading and 还/也 for an addition reading.
Correct model: Use 都 for exclusion and 还/也 for addition.
Quick practice
- Write a new sentence following
除了 + item + 以外， 都/还/也…. - Rewrite the common mistake above, then compare your structure with the two model sentences.
先…再…然后…
先 + action， 再 + action， 然后 + action
Sequence words make the order of several actions explicit.
我先吃饭，再复习，然后睡觉。
I eat first, then review, and then go to sleep.
请先看问题，再读文章，然后选择答案。
Read the question first, then the passage, and then choose an answer.
Common mistake: 再 points to the next action here; 又 usually refers to repetition that has already happened.
Correct model: Use 再 for the next action and 又 for a repeated action already experienced.
Quick practice
- Write a new sentence following
先 + action， 再 + action， 然后 + action. - Rewrite the common mistake above, then compare your structure with the two model sentences.