Sentence patterns — advanced

Original teaching practice. Read one pattern, cover its model and try the questions before checking the separate answer section. Examples adapted from Chinese Grammar Wiki (AllSet Learning, CC BY-NC-SA) retain the course-reference provenance.

Advanced (把: marks the object)把bǎ ((把: marks the object)把bǎ + Obj + Verb + result)

Editing a report

• Your manager hands back your draft with instructions.
• to ask请qǐng(把: marks the object)把bǎ第三段dì sān duànto change改gǎi(degree marker)得deshort短duǎnerhua variant of 一点一点儿yì diǎn ér，again / then再zài(把: marks the object)把bǎchart图表tú biǎo放到fàng dàofinal最后zuì hòu。 – "Please make the third paragraph a bit shorter, then move the chart to the end."

(把: marks the object)把bǎ + Object + Verb + complex result

• At HSK 5, the part after the verb can be a (degree marker)得de complement, a to succeed成chéng / for为wèi change, a place or a direction: to change改gǎi(degree marker)得deshort短duǎnerhua variant of 一点一点儿yì diǎn ér, 翻译成fān yì chéngChinese language中文zhōng wén, 放到fàng dàofinal最后zuì hòu, to send送sòngto return home回家huí jiā.
• The object must be specific and the verb must not stand alone.

please请qǐng把bǎthis这zhèsentence句话jù huàtranslate翻译fān yìinto成chéngChinese中文Zhōng wén。

Change, place, manner

• Change: he / him他tā(把: marks the object)把bǎdrawing room (room for…客厅kè tīngto change into变成biàn chéng(completed / change)了lestudy (room)书房shū fáng。 – "He turned the living room into a study."
• Manner with (degree marker)得de: she / her她tā(把: marks the object)把bǎroom房间fáng jiānto clean打扫dǎ sǎo(degree marker)得de干干净净gān gān jìng jìng。 – "She cleaned the room spotless."

she她tā把bǎthe room房间fáng jiānclean打扫dǎ sǎo得despotless干干净净gān gān jìng jìng。

Negatives and modals before (把: marks the object)把bǎ

• not / haven't没méi / not不bù / don't别bié / can / be able to能néng / want / will / need要yào / should应该yīng gāi go before (把: marks the object)把bǎ: you你nǐshould应该yīng gāi(把: marks the object)把bǎquestion问题wèn tívariant of 说说shuōclear清楚qīng chǔ, not you你nǐ(把: marks the object)把bǎquestion问题wèn tíshould应该yīng gāivariant of 说说shuōclear清楚qīng chǔ.
• Perception and feeling verbs (to see看见kàn jiàn, to know知道zhī dào, to like喜欢xǐ huan) don't take (把: marks the object)把bǎ.

Why use (把: marks the object)把bǎ?

• (把: marks the object)把bǎ puts the focus on what happens to a specific object: I / me我wǒ(把: marks the object)把bǎpurse钱包qián bāoto lose丢diū(completed / change)了le – "I've lost my wallet."
• Without (把: marks the object)把bǎ, the same idea can sound unfinished or neutral: I / me我wǒto lose丢diū(completed / change)了lepurse钱包qián bāo.

I我wǒ把bǎmy wallet钱包qián bāolose丢diū了le。

Recap

• (把: marks the object)把bǎ + specific object + Verb + result ((degree marker)得de complement, to succeed成chéng, to / arrive到dào + place, direction).
• Negatives / modals before (把: marks the object)把bǎ; no (把: marks the object)把bǎ with perception or feeling verbs.

Practise this pattern step by step.

N1 + unlike不比bù bǐ + N2 + Adj (no more … than)

Not so different

• Your friend thinks the expensive brand is much better. You think it's no better than the cheap one.
• this这个zhè gesign牌子pái ziunlike不比bù bǐthat那个nà gegood好hǎo。 – "This brand is no better than that one."

A unlike不比bù bǐ B + Adj = A is no more … than B

• A unlike不比bù bǐ B + Adj rejects the claim that A is more Adj than B: they are about the same, or A may be less.
• It usually answers or corrects someone: he / him他tānot不bùthan / compared to比bǐI / me我wǒhigh高gāo – "He isn't taller than me (we're about the same)."

he他tānot不bùthan比bǐme我wǒtall高gāo。

Correcting an assumption

• today今天jīn tiānunlike不比bù bǐyesterday昨天zuó tiāncold冷lěng，你别nǐ biéto wear穿chuānlike that那么nà memany多duō。 – "Today is no colder than yesterday; don't wear so much."
• I / me我wǒ(modifier / structural particle)的deChinese language中文zhōng wénunlike不比bù bǐyou你nǐused in 参差差chà。 – "My Chinese is no worse than yours."

my我wǒ的deChinese中文Zhōng wénnot不bùthan比bǐyours你nǐworse差chà。

Not the same as not have / haven't没有méi yǒu

• A not have / haven't没有méi yǒu B high高gāo = A is less tall than B (clearly shorter).
• A unlike不比bù bǐ B high高gāo denies that A is taller. A may be equally tall or shorter; the phrase does not establish equality.

Side by side

• younger brother弟弟dì dinot have / haven't没有méi yǒuolder brother哥哥gē gēhigh高gāo – the younger brother is shorter.
• younger brother弟弟dì diunlike不比bù bǐolder brother哥哥gē gēhigh高gāo – the younger brother isn't taller (perhaps the same height).

younger brother弟弟dì dinot as没有méi yǒuolder brother哥哥gē getall高gāo。

Recap

• A unlike不比bù bǐ B + Adj denies that A exceeds B on that scale. A can be equal or lower; exact equality needs additional information.
• A not have / haven't没有méi yǒu B + Adj = A is less Adj than B.

Practise this pattern step by step.

want / will / need要yào + Verb + then / just就jiù + Verb (if you're going to, do it right)

Five minutes of guitar a week

• Your friend wants to learn the guitar but only practises five minutes a week.
• 要学yào xuéthen / just就jiù好好学hǎo hǎo xué，don't别bié三天打鱼sān tiān dǎ yú两天晒网liǎng tiān shài wǎng。 – "If you're going to learn, learn properly – don't do it in fits and starts."

want / will / need要yào + Verb + then / just就jiù + Verb (+ properly)

• want / will / need要yào V then / just就jiù V = "if you're going to do it, do it (properly / now)": want / will / need要yàoto go去qùthen / just就jiùto go去qù, want / will / need要yàoto buy买mǎithen / just就jiùto ingratiate oneself买好mǎi hǎo(modifier / structural particle)的de.
• The same verb repeats; the second often has a modifier: 好好学hǎo hǎo xué, 早点儿zǎo diǎn érto go去qù.

if going to要yàogo去qùthen就jiùearly早zǎoa bit点儿diǎnrgo去qù。

Encouraging decisiveness

• want / will / need要yàoto buy买mǎithen / just就jiùto buy买mǎiquality质量zhì liànggood好hǎo(modifier / structural particle)的de。 – "If you're going to buy one, buy a good-quality one."
• as for要说yào shuōthen / just就jiùvariant of 说说shuōclear清楚qīng chǔ。 – "If you're going to say it, say it clearly."

if going to要yàobuy买mǎithen就jiùbuy买mǎiquality质量zhì liànggood好hǎo(one)的de。

Same verb, firm tone

• Repeat the same verb: 要学yào xuéthen / just就jiù好好学hǎo hǎo xué, not 要学yào xuéthen / just就jiùwell好好hǎo hǎoto practice练liàn (unless you mean a different action).
• The tone is firm advice or impatience; it is spoken.

want / will / need要yào…then / just就jiù… versus want / think / miss想xiǎng…then / just就jiù…

• want / think / miss想xiǎngto go去qùthen / just就jiùto go去qù = go if you want to (permission, freedom).
• want / will / need要yàoto go去qùthen / just就jiù早点儿zǎo diǎn érto go去qù = if you're going, go early (advice about doing it well).

want to想xiǎnggo去qùthen就jiùgo去qù吧ba。

Recap

• want / will / need要yào V then / just就jiù (well好好hǎo hǎo / 早点儿zǎo diǎn ér) V = if you're going to do it, do it properly.
• Spoken, firm; want / think / miss想xiǎng V then / just就jiù V = do it if you like.

Practise this pattern step by step.

cannot do without少不了shào bù liǎo (can't do without)

A birthday essential

• Your family is planning grandma's 80th birthday party.
• birthday生日shēng rìparty聚会jù huìcannot do without少不了shào bù liǎocake蛋糕dàn gāo。 – "A birthday party isn't complete without a cake."

cannot do without少不了shào bù liǎo + noun = can't do without

• A cannot do without少不了shào bù liǎo B = A can't do without B; B is essential: to celebrate the Chinese…过年guò niáncannot do without少不了shào bù liǎodumpling饺子jiǎo zi.
• The thing that is essential follows cannot do without少不了shào bù liǎo.

the New Year过年guò niáncan't do without少不了shǎo bu liǎodumplings饺子jiǎo zi。

Certain to happen

• cannot do without少不了shào bù liǎo can also mean "bound to, certain": so much这么zhè meto make做zuò，cannot do without少不了shào bù liǎowant / will / need要yàoto suffer挨āito criticize批评pī píng。 – "Do it like that and you're bound to be criticised."
• he / him他tāto be / is是shìleading role主角zhǔ jué，cannot do without少不了shào bù liǎohe / him他tā。 – "He's the lead; we can't manage without him."

he他tāis是shìthe lead主角zhǔ jué，can't do without少不了shǎo bu liǎohim他tā。

Read it liǎo

• (completed / change)了le in cannot do without少不了shào bù liǎo is liǎo, as in variant of 吃吃chī(as a resultative verb…不了bù liǎo.
• The opposite is 少得shǎo dé(completed / change)了le (rare); for "not needed", say not不bùto need需要xū yào or not need用不着yòng bù zhe.

cannot do without少不了shào bù liǎo versus inseparable离不开lí bù kāi

• inseparable离不开lí bù kāi = can't be separated from, depend on: child孩子hái ziinseparable离不开lí bù kāimama妈妈mā mā.
• cannot do without少不了shào bù liǎo = can't be missing: this这zhè顿饭dùn fàncannot do without少不了shào bù liǎowine (esp. rice wine)酒jiǔ.

the child孩子hái zican't be without离不开lí bu kāimum妈妈mā ma。

Recap

• A cannot do without少不了shào bù liǎo B = A can't do without B; also "bound to (happen)".
• (completed / change)了le = liǎo; inseparable离不开lí bù kāi = depend on.

Practise this pattern step by step.

A to equal等于děng yú B (equals / amounts to)

Saying nothing is saying yes

• Your friend didn't object when you suggested the plan.
• you你nǐnot不bùto speak说话shuō huàthen / just就jiùto equal等于děng yúto agree同意tóng yì(completed / change)了le。 – "If you say nothing, that amounts to agreeing."

A to equal等于děng yú B = A equals B

• In maths: 二加èr jiāthree三sānto equal等于děng yúfive五wǔ。 – "Two plus three equals five."
• In argument: A amounts to B, is the same as B: not不bùto reply回答huí dáthen / just就jiùto equal等于děng yúto refuse拒绝jù jué.

two二èrplus加jiāthree三sānequals等于děng yúfive五wǔ。

Drawing a strong conclusion

• 浪费时间làng fèi shí jiānthen / just就jiùto equal等于děng yúto waste浪费làng fèilife (as the characteristic…生命shēng mìng。 – "Wasting time is the same as wasting your life."
• not不bùvariant of 复习复习fù xíthen / just就jiùto go去qùto take an exam考试kǎo shì，to equal等于děng yúnot / haven't没méipreparation准备zhǔn bèi。 – "Taking the exam without revising is as good as not preparing."

wasting浪费làng fèitime时间shí jiān(is)就jiùequals等于děng yúwasting浪费làng fèilife生命shēng mìng。

not不bùto equal等于děng yú = doesn't mean

• not不bùto equal等于děng yú = is not the same as: cheap便宜pián yinot不bùto equal等于děng yúno good不好bù hǎo – "Cheap doesn't mean bad."
• In argument, to equal等于děng yú often follows then / just就jiù: not不bùvariant of 说说shuōthen / just就jiùto equal等于děng yúto agree同意tóng yì.

to equal等于děng yú versus to be / is是shì

• to be / is是shì states identity: he / him他tāto be / is是shìI / me我wǒ(modifier / structural particle)的deteacher老师lǎo shī.
• to equal等于děng yú says one thing has the same effect or value as another: taciturn沉默chén mòto equal等于děng yúto agree同意tóng yì.

cheap便宜pián yinot不bùequals等于děng yúbad不好bù hǎo。

Recap

• A to equal等于děng yú B = A equals / amounts to B (maths or argument); then / just就jiùto equal等于děng yú adds force.
• not不bùto equal等于děng yú = doesn't mean; to be / is是shì states identity.

Practise this pattern step by step.

from从cóng … to hit (the mark)中zhōng (from within)

Learning from mistakes

• Your coach talks to the team after a lost match.
• we / us我们wǒ menwant / will / need要yàofrom从cóngto be defeated失败shī bàito hit (the mark)中zhōngto draw a lesson (from a…吸取教训xī qǔ jiào xùn。 – "We must learn lessons from failure."

from从cóng + noun + to hit (the mark)中zhōng = from (within)

• from从cóng A to hit (the mark)中zhōng + verb = get, learn or choose something out of A: from从cóngto be defeated失败shī bàito hit (the mark)中zhōngto learn学习xué xí, from从cóng三个sān gèperson人rénto be chosen中选zhōng xuǎn一个yí gè.
• to hit (the mark)中zhōng can be replaced by li, ancient measure of…里lǐ in speech: 从书里cóng shū lǐto learn (sth)学到xué dào.

I我wǒfrom从cóngthis这zhè(measure word)本běnbook书shū(within)中zhōnglearned学到xué dào了lea lot很多hěn duō。

Choosing and learning

• Choosing: from从cóngthese这些zhè xiēplan方案fāng ànto be chosen中选zhōng xuǎn一个yí gèbest最好zuì hǎo(modifier / structural particle)的de。 – "Choose the best from these plans."
• Gaining: he / him他tāfrom从cóngto work工作gōng zuòto hit (the mark)中zhōngto get得到dé dào(completed / change)了le很多hěn duōexperience经验jīng yàn。 – "He gained a lot of experience from work."

he他tāfrom从cóngwork工作gōng zuò(within)中zhōnggained得到dé dào了lemuch很多hěn duōexperience经验jīng yàn。

Keep both from从cóng and to hit (the mark)中zhōng

• Say from从cóngto be defeated失败shī bàito hit (the mark)中zhōngto learn学习xué xí, not from从cóngto be defeated失败shī bàito learn学习xué xí (for "from within, through").
• The from从cóng…to hit (the mark)中zhōng phrase goes before the verb: from从cóngto be chosen中选zhōng xuǎn一个yí gè, not to choose选xuǎn一个yí gèfrom within从中cóng zhōng.

from within从中cóng zhōng = from it

• from within从中cóng zhōng = from it / from among them, referring back: he / him他tāto violate犯fàn(completed / change)了lemistaken错误cuò wù，variant of 并并bìngfrom从cóngmiddle school中学zhōng xuéto / arrive到dào(completed / change)了le很多hěn duō。 – "He made a mistake and learned a lot from it."
• Common in writing and reflections.

and并bìngfrom it从中cóng zhōnglearned学到xué dào了lea lot很多hěn duō。

Recap

• from从cóng + noun + to hit (the mark)中zhōng + verb = get / learn / choose from within: from从cóngto be defeated失败shī bàito hit (the mark)中zhōngto draw a lesson (from a…吸取教训xī qǔ jiào xùn.
• from within从中cóng zhōng = from it (refers back); the phrase goes before the verb.

Practise this pattern step by step.

not to have无wú … used in 可汗可kě … (have no … to …)

Nothing left to say

• After a long argument, your friend shrugs and goes quiet.
• I / me我wǒalready已经yǐ jīngto have nothing to say…无话可说wú huà kě shuō(completed / change)了le。 – "I have nothing more to say."

not to have无wú + noun + used in 可汗可kě + verb = have no … to …

• not to have无wú X used in 可汗可kě V = there is no X that can be V-ed: to have nothing to say…无话可说wú huà kě shuō (nothing to say), 无处可去wú chǔ kě qù (nowhere to go), not to have无wúmatter事shìused in 可汗可kěto make做zuò (nothing to do).
• It is concise and literary, often fixed as four-character phrases.

at the weekend周末zhōu mòhe他tāhas nothing to do无事可做wú shì kě zuò。

Common fixed forms

• 无处可去wú chǔ kě qù = nowhere to go: down下xià(ongoing -ing)着zheheavy rain大雨dà yǔ，we / us我们wǒ men无处可去wú chǔ kě qù.
• homeless无家可归wú jiā kě guī = homeless (no home to return to); nowhere to go无路可走wú lù kě zǒu = no way out.

heavy rain大雨dà yǔin中zhōngthey他们tā menhave nowhere to go无处可去wú chù kě qù。

Written and fixed

• In speech, say 没有话说méi yǒu huà shuō / not / haven't没méiarea地方dì fāngto go去qù; not to have无wú…used in 可汗可kě… is more formal.
• Keep the order not to have无wú + noun + used in 可汗可kě + verb; do not add (modifier / structural particle)的de or (completed / change)了le inside: to have nothing to say…无话可说wú huà kě shuō, not not to have无wúold variant of 话话huà(modifier / structural particle)的deused in 可汗可kěvariant of 说说shuō.

not to have无wú…used in 可汗可kě… versus not have / haven't没有méi yǒu…can / may可以kě yǐ…

• to have nothing to say…无话可说wú huà kě shuō = not have / haven't没有méi yǒuwhat什么shén meold variant of 话话huàcan / may可以kě yǐvariant of 说说shuō.
• The not to have无wú…used in 可汗可kě… form is shorter and stronger, typical of writing and formal speech.

I我wǒhave no没有méi yǒuanything什么shén mecan可以kě yǐsay说shuō的de。

Recap

• not to have无wú + noun + used in 可汗可kě + verb = have no … to … (to have nothing to say…无话可说wú huà kě shuō, 无处可去wú chǔ kě qù, not to have无wúmatter事shìused in 可汗可kěto make做zuò).
• Literary; spoken equivalent not have / haven't没有méi yǒu…can / may可以kě yǐ….

Practise this pattern step by step.

not only (... but also ...)不但bù dàn …，even甚至shèn zhìto link连lián … also也yě … (not only …, even …)

Forgot everything

• Your roommate had a terrible morning before the exam.
• he / him他tānot only (... but also ...)不但bù dànto forget忘wàng(completed / change)了le带笔dài bǐ，even甚至shèn zhìto link连lián(exam) admission ticket准考证zhǔn kǎo zhèngalso也yěto forget忘wàng(completed / change)了le。 – "He not only forgot his pen; he even forgot his admission ticket."

not only (... but also ...)不但bù dàn A，even甚至shèn zhìto link连lián B also也yě / all / both都dōu …

• not only (... but also ...)不但bù dàn A，even甚至shèn zhìto link连lián B also也yě/all / both都dōu … = not only A, but even B: B is the most extreme, surprising item.
• even甚至shèn zhì and to link连lián…also也yě together make the climax very strong.

he他tānot only不但bú dàncan会huìspeak说shuōEnglish英语Yīng yǔ，even甚至shèn zhìeven连liánArabic阿拉伯语Ā lā bó yǔalso也yěcan speak会huì。

Building to a climax

• this这个zhè gequestion问题wèn tínot only (... but also ...)不但bù dànstudent学生xué shēngnot不bùto understand懂dǒng，even甚至shèn zhìto link连liánteacher老师lǎo shīalso也yě说不清楚shuō bù qīng chǔ。 – "Not only do the students not understand this question, even the teacher can't explain it clearly."
• The B item should be the one nobody would expect.

even甚至shèn zhìeven连liánthe teacher老师lǎo shīalso也yěcan't explain clearly说不清楚shuō bu qīng chu。

Keep the order

• even甚至shèn zhì comes before to link连lián, and also也yě / all / both都dōu after B: even甚至shèn zhìto link连liánhe / him他tāalso也yě…, not to link连liáneven甚至shèn zhìhe / him他tāalso也yě….
• B should be stronger than A; a weaker B makes the sentence fall flat.

Versus not only (... but also ...)不但bù dàn…moreover而且ér qiě…

• not only (... but also ...)不但bù dàn…moreover而且ér qiě… adds a second point of similar weight.
• not only (... but also ...)不但bù dàn…even甚至shèn zhìto link连lián…also也yě… adds a surprising, extreme case.

not only不但bú dàncheap便宜pián yi，but also而且ér qiětasty好吃hǎo chī。

Recap

• not only (... but also ...)不但bù dàn A，even甚至shèn zhìto link连lián B also也yě / all / both都dōu … = not only A, but even B (the extreme case).
• Order: even甚至shèn zhì + to link连lián + B + also也yě/all / both都dōu; moreover而且ér qiě for ordinary additions.

Practise this pattern step by step.

with / and跟gēn / and / with和hé … to have sth to do with有关yǒu guān(modifier / structural particle)的de + Noun (related to)

Research for an essay

• You are writing about air pollution and go to the library.
• I / me我wǒvariant of 借借jiè(completed / change)了le几本jǐ běnwith / and跟gēnenvironment环境huán jìngto have sth to do with有关yǒu guān(modifier / structural particle)的debook书shū。 – "I borrowed a few books related to the environment."

with / and跟gēn / and / with和hé + X + to have sth to do with有关yǒu guān((modifier / structural particle)的de) + Noun

• with / and跟gēn X to have sth to do with有关yǒu guān(modifier / structural particle)的de + noun = a noun related to X: with / and跟gēnto work工作gōng zuòto have sth to do with有关yǒu guān(modifier / structural particle)的dequestion问题wèn tí, and / with和héhealth健康jiàn kāngto have sth to do with有关yǒu guān(modifier / structural particle)的denews新闻xīn wén.
• A with / and跟gēn B to have sth to do with有关yǒu guān as a sentence = A is related to B.

this这zhè(measure word)件jiànmatter事shìwith跟gēnhim他tāis related有关yǒu guān。

Causes and topics

• he / him他tā(modifier / structural particle)的deillness病bìngwith / and跟gēnpressure压力yā lìto have sth to do with有关yǒu guān。 – "His illness is related to stress."
• to ask请qǐngonly只zhǐto reply回答huí dáand / with和hé这次zhè cìto take an exam考试kǎo shìto have sth to do with有关yǒu guān(modifier / structural particle)的dequestion问题wèn tí。 – "Please only answer questions related to this exam."

his他tā的deillness病bìngwith跟gēnstress压力yā lìis related有关yǒu guān。

Order before the noun

• The whole phrase comes before the noun with (modifier / structural particle)的de: with / and跟gēnenvironment环境huán jìngto have sth to do with有关yǒu guān(modifier / structural particle)的debook书shū, not book书shūwith / and跟gēnenvironment环境huán jìngto have sth to do with有关yǒu guān(modifier / structural particle)的de.
• Negative: with / and跟gēnhe / him他tāunrelated无关wú guān / with / and跟gēnhe / him他tānot have / haven't没有méi yǒuvariant of 关系关系guān xì – "nothing to do with him".

to have sth to do with有关yǒu guān versus pertaining to关于guān yú

• pertaining to关于guān yú + topic introduces what something is about: pertaining to关于guān yúenvironment环境huán jìng(modifier / structural particle)的debook书shū.
• with / and跟gēn…to have sth to do with有关yǒu guān stresses a connection, including causes: with / and跟gēnpressure压力yā lìto have sth to do with有关yǒu guān.

this这zhèwith跟gēnme我wǒhas no没有méi yǒuconnection关系guān xi。

Recap

• with / and跟gēn / and / with和hé X to have sth to do with有关yǒu guān((modifier / structural particle)的de) + noun = related to X; A with / and跟gēn B to have sth to do with有关yǒu guān = A is related to B.
• Negative with / and跟gēn…unrelated无关wú guān / not have / haven't没有méi yǒuvariant of 关系关系guān xì; pertaining to关于guān yú = about (a topic).

Practise this pattern step by step.

so-called所谓suǒ wèi (the so-called …)

A shortcut that wasn’t

• Your friend promised a quick route home; it took twice as long.
• he / him他tāso-called所谓suǒ wèi(modifier / structural particle)的deshortcut近路jìn lù，than / compared to比bǐavenue大路dà lù还远hái yuǎn。 – "His so-called shortcut was even longer than the main road."

so-called所谓suǒ wèi((modifier / structural particle)的de) + noun = so-called / what is called

• so-called所谓suǒ wèi(modifier / structural particle)的de X can be doubtful or ironic: "the so-called X (which isn't really)".
• It can also be neutral, introducing a definition: so-called所谓suǒ wèi"(attributive) low-carbon低碳dī tàn"，exactly就是jiù shìto lessen减少jiǎn shǎocarbon dioxide CO2二氧化碳èr yǎng huà tànto arrange in order排放pái fàng。 – "What is called 'low-carbon' means reducing CO₂ emissions."

so-called所谓suǒ wèi的deexpert专家zhuān jiā。

Two uses

• Ironic: this这zhèexactly就是jiù shìyou你nǐso-called所谓suǒ wèi(modifier / structural particle)的de"degree / adjective linker很hěncheap便宜pián yi"？ – "So this is what you call 'very cheap'?"
• Defining: so-called所谓suǒ wèihappiness幸福xìng fú，exactly就是jiù shìto make做zuòoneself自己zì jǐto like喜欢xǐ huan(modifier / structural particle)的dematter事shì。 – "Happiness is doing what you love."

what is called所谓suǒ wèihappiness幸福xìng fú，is just就是jiù shìdoing做zuòone自己zì jǐlikes喜欢xǐ huan的dethings事shì。

Tone matters

• you你nǐso-called所谓suǒ wèi(modifier / structural particle)的defriend朋友péng yǒu can sound very critical; use it carefully about people.
• For a neutral definition, so-called所谓suǒ wèi X，exactly就是jiù shì … is the standard frame.

so-called所谓suǒ wèi versus to be called叫做jiào zuò

• to be called叫做jiào zuò neutrally names something: this kind of这种zhè zhǒngflower花huāto be called叫做jiào zuòtree peony (Paeonia…牡丹mǔ dān – "This flower is called a peony."
• so-called所谓suǒ wèi often signals doubt or sets up a definition for discussion.

this kind of这种zhè zhǒngflower花huāis called叫做jiào zuòpeony牡丹mǔ dān。

Recap

• so-called所谓suǒ wèi((modifier / structural particle)的de) X = so-called X (often doubtful); so-called所谓suǒ wèi X，exactly就是jiù shì … = X means … (definition).
• Neutral naming uses to be called叫做jiào zuò.

Practise this pattern step by step.

at / in在zài + Time + inside内nèi (within a span)

Within three days

• The online shop promises fast delivery in its advert.
• we / us我们wǒ menguarantee保证bǎo zhèng三天sān tiāninside内nèi送到sòng dào。 – "We guarantee delivery within three days."

(at / in在zài) + time span + inside内nèi = within

• at / in在zài + time + inside内nèi = within that period: at / in在zài一个月yí gè yuèinside内nèi, at / in在zài两周liǎng zhōuinside内nèi, 三天sān tiāninside内nèi.
• at / in在zài can be dropped in short phrases; within以内yǐ nèi is a close synonym.

please请qǐngwithin在zàia week一周yì zhōu(inside)内nèihand in交jiāothe report报告bào gào。

Deadlines and rules

• passport护照hù zhàoto have to必须bì xūat / in在zài两周liǎng zhōuinside内nèito take care of (a matter)办好bàn hǎo。 – "The passport must be sorted within two weeks."
• Space too: at / in在zàischool学校xué xiàoinside内nèicannot不能bù néngto smoke吸烟xī yān。 – "No smoking within the school."

within在zàithe school学校xué xiào(inside)内nèinot allowed不能bù néngsmoke吸烟xī yān。

Formal register

• inside内nèi is formal; in chat, 三天sān tiāninside之内zhī nèi or 三天sān tiānwithin以内yǐ nèi also work, and 三天sān tiānli, ancient measure of…里lǐ is casual.
• The phrase goes before the verb: at / in在zài三天sān tiāninside内nèito complete完成wán chéng, not to complete完成wán chéngat / in在zài三天sān tiāninside内nèi.

inside内nèi versus after以后yǐ hòu

• 三天sān tiāninside内nèi = within three days (any time up to day three).
• 三天sān tiānafter以后yǐ hòu = after three days (not before).

three days三天sān tiānafter以后yǐ hòuthen再zàicome来lái。

Recap

• (at / in在zài) + time / place + inside内nèi = within; formal, before the verb.
• within以内yǐ nèi / inside之内zhī nèi are synonyms; after以后yǐ hòu = after.

Practise this pattern step by step.

preferably宁可nìng kě … ，also也yě … (would rather)

The lesser evil

• Your friend suggests taking the crowded night bus. You'd rather walk an hour.
• I / me我wǒpreferably宁可nìng kěto walk走路zǒu lùto return home回家huí jiā，also也yěnot不bùto sit坐zuòlike that那么nà meto crowd in挤jǐ(modifier / structural particle)的dewar chariot (archaic)车chē。 – "I'd rather walk home than take such a crowded bus."

preferably宁可nìng kě A，also也yěnot不bù B = would rather A than B

• preferably宁可nìng kě A，also也yěnot不bù B = choose A (unpleasant) rather than B (even worse).
• Also preferably宁可nìng kě A，also也yěwant / will / need要yào B = would even do A in order to achieve B: preferably宁可nìng kě少睡shǎo shuìerhua variant of 一点一点儿yì diǎn ér，also也yěwant / will / need要yào(把: marks the object)把bǎto work工作gōng zuòto make做zuòto finish完wán.

I我wǒwould rather宁可nìng kěless少shǎosleep睡shuìa bit一点儿yì diǎnr，(still)也yěmust要yào把bǎwork工作gōng zuòfinish做完zuò wán。

Firm choices

• he / him他tāpreferably宁可nìng kěto be hungry饿è(ongoing -ing)着zhe，also也yě不吃bù chītrash垃圾lā jīfoodstuff食品shí pǐn。 – "He'd rather go hungry than eat junk food."
• would rather ... (than ...)宁愿nìng yuàn is a close synonym: I / me我wǒwould rather ... (than ...)宁愿nìng yuàn一个yí gè人去rén qù.

he他tāwould rather宁可nìng kěhungry饿è(stay)着zhe，(still)也yěnot不bùeat吃chījunk垃圾lā jīfood食品shí pǐn。

Read it nìng

• variant of 宁宁níng here is nìng (fourth tone), as in preferably宁可nìng kě / would rather ... (than ...)宁愿nìng yuàn.
• preferably宁可nìng kě goes after the subject: I / me我wǒpreferably宁可nìng kě…, and the second clause needs also也yě: also也yěnot不bù / also也yěwant / will / need要yào.

preferably宁可nìng kě…also也yěnot不bù versus rather than...与其yǔ qí…not equal to不如bù rú

• preferably宁可nìng kě A also也yěnot不bù B: A is chosen firmly, often with sacrifice.
• rather than...与其yǔ qí A not equal to不如bù rú B: B is the better option: rather than...与其yǔ qíto be at home在家zài jiāto wait for等děng，not equal to不如bù rúto go out出去chū qùto try to find找zhǎo – "Rather than wait at home, better go and look."

rather than与其yǔ qíwait等děng，better to不如bù rúgo去qùlook找zhǎo。

Recap

• preferably宁可nìng kě A，also也yěnot不bù B = would rather A than B; preferably宁可nìng kě A，also也yěwant / will / need要yào B = would even A in order to B.
• variant of 宁宁níng = nìng; would rather ... (than ...)宁愿nìng yuàn is a synonym; rather than...与其yǔ qí…not equal to不如bù rú… recommends B.

Practise this pattern step by step.

Verb + then / just就jiù + Verb (indifference / a shrug)

Whatever, it's fine

• Your friend apologises for being five minutes late. You really don't mind.
• evening晚wǎn(completed / change)了lethen / just就jiùevening晚wǎn(completed / change)了le，it doesn't matter没关系méi guān xì。 – "So you're late – it doesn't matter."

Verb / Adj + then / just就jiù + same Verb / Adj (+ (completed / change)了le / (suggestion)吧ba)

• X then / just就jiù X = "if it's X, so be it": the speaker accepts a fact or brushes it aside.
• (completed / change)了le / (suggestion)吧ba often follows: to lose丢diū(completed / change)了lethen / just就jiùto lose丢diū(completed / change)了le, expensive贵guìthen / just就jiùexpensive贵guì(suggestion)吧ba.

expensive贵guì(so be it)就jiùexpensive贵guì吧ba，I我wǒlike it喜欢xǐ huan。

Accepting and moving on

• to lose丢diū(completed / change)了lethen / just就jiùto lose丢diū(completed / change)了le，again / then再zàito buy买mǎi一个yí gè(suggestion)吧ba。 – "If it's lost, it's lost; just buy another."
• to go去qùthen / just就jiùto go去qù，who谁shéito be afraid怕pàwho谁shéi！ – "Fine, let's go – who's afraid?"

lost丢diū了le(so be it)就jiùlost丢diū了le，again再zàibuy买mǎione一个yí gè吧ba。

Tone: relaxed or defiant

• It can sound relaxed (it doesn't matter没关系méi guān xì) or defiant (who谁shéito be afraid怕pàwho谁shéi); context and voice tell which.
• Repeat exactly the same word: expensive贵guìthen / just就jiùexpensive贵guì(suggestion)吧ba, not expensive贵guìthen / just就jiùcheap便宜pián yi(suggestion)吧ba.

Versus let it be算了suàn le

• let it be算了suàn le = forget it, let it go: let it be算了suàn le，别生气bié shēng qì(completed / change)了le.
• X then / just就jiù X names the fact you are accepting: to lose输shū(completed / change)了lethen / just就jiùto lose输shū(completed / change)了le.

forget it算了suàn le，don't别biébe angry生气shēng qì了le。

Recap

• X then / just就jiù X ((completed / change)了le / (suggestion)吧ba) = if it's X, so be it: acceptance or defiance.
• Same word twice; let it be算了suàn le = let it go.

Practise this pattern step by step.

Action，good好hǎo + Purpose (so that)

Leave a note

• You are going out and your flatmate will come home later.
• you你nǐto walk走zǒubefore以前yǐ qián留个liú gè(informal) note便条biàn tiáo，good好hǎoto let / make让rànghe / him他tāto know知道zhī dàoyou你nǐto go去qùwhere哪儿nǎr(completed / change)了le。 – "Leave a note before you go, so that he knows where you've gone."

Action，good好hǎo + purpose

• A，good好hǎo B = do A so that B can happen: good好hǎo here means "so that, in order to (make it easier)".
• good好hǎo starts the second clause, often with to let / make让ràng or can / be able to能néng: good好hǎoto let / make让rànghe / him他tāto know知道zhī dào.

early早zǎoa bit点儿diǎnrsleep睡shuì，so that好hǎotomorrow明天míng tiānearly早zǎoget up起qǐ。

Practical preparations

• (把: marks the object)把bǎ电话号码diàn huà hào mǎto write写xiěto come down下来xià lái，good好hǎoat any time随时suí shíconnection联系lián xì。 – "Write down the number so we can get in touch any time."
• I / me我wǒto take along with one带上dài shàngdamask silk伞sǎn，good好hǎoat / in在zàito rain下雨xià yǔ(modifier / structural particle)的detime时候shí hòuto use / with用yòng。 – "I'll take an umbrella so I can use it if it rains."

把bǎphone电话diàn huànumber号码hào mǎwrite down写下来xiě xià lai，so that好hǎoany time随时suí shíget in touch联系lián xì。

Purpose follows action

• The action comes first and good好hǎo + purpose second; this good好hǎo is not "good".
• It is spoken and practical; in writing, so that以便yǐ biàn is the formal equivalent.

good好hǎo versus in order to为了wèi le and so that以便yǐ biàn

• in order to为了wèi le + purpose usually comes first: in order to为了wèi letomorrow明天míng tiānto get up early早起zǎo qǐ，I / me我wǒ早点儿zǎo diǎn érto sleep睡shuì.
• good好hǎo / so that以便yǐ biàn come after the action: I / me我wǒ早点儿zǎo diǎn érto sleep睡shuì，good好hǎotomorrow明天míng tiānto get up early早起zǎo qǐ.

in order to为了wèi letomorrow明天míng tiānearly早zǎoget up起qǐ，I我wǒearly早zǎoa bit点儿diǎnrsleep睡shuì。

Recap

• Action，good好hǎo (to let / make让ràng / can / be able to能néng) + purpose = do A so that B (spoken).
• Purpose after the action; in order to为了wèi le puts it first; so that以便yǐ biàn is formal.

Practise this pattern step by step.

one side一面yí miàn … ，one side一面yí miàn … (two things at once)

Driving and chatting

• Your uncle is a taxi driver who loves to tell stories while he drives.
• he / him他tāone side一面yí miànto drive a car开车kāi chē，one side一面yí miànwith / and跟gēnpassenger乘客chéng kèto chat聊天liáo tiān。 – "He chats with passengers while he drives."

one side一面yí miàn A，one side一面yí miàn B = doing A while doing B

• one side一面yí miàn A，one side一面yí miàn B = two actions at the same time by the same person, like one side一边yī biān…one side一边yī biān….
• It is a little more formal and written.

she她tāwhile一面yí miànworking工作gōng zuò，(at the same time)一面yí miànstudying读dúfor a master's研究生yán jiū shēng。

Ongoing parallel activities

• Can describe long-term parallel activities: he / him他tāone side一面yí miàn(bound form) up上shànguniversity大学dà xué，one side一面yí miànto work a temporary or…打工dǎ gōng。 – "He goes to university and works part-time."
• Also for two attitudes: one side一面yí miànto criticize批评pī píng，one side一面yí miànto encourage鼓励gǔ lì – "criticising and encouraging at once."

he他tāwhile一面yí miànattending上shànguniversity大学dà xué，(also)一面yí miànworks part-time打工dǎ gōng。

Same subject, actions

• Both actions belong to one subject: he / him他tāone side一面yí miàn…one side一面yí miàn….
• Use action verbs; for two qualities use already既jì…again又yòu….

one side一面yí miàn versus one side一边yī biān and on the one hand一方面yì fāng miàn

• one side一边yī biān…one side一边yī biān… is the everyday version: one side一边yī biānvariant of 吃吃chīone side一边yī biānto see看kàn.
• on the one hand一方面yì fāng miàn…on the one hand一方面yì fāng miàn… gives two aspects or reasons, not two simultaneous actions.

he他tāwhile一边yì biāneating吃饭chī fàn(also)一边yì biānwatches看kànthe news新闻xīn wén。

Recap

• one side一面yí miàn A，one side一面yí miàn B = doing A while doing B (same subject; a little formal).
• one side一边yī biān…one side一边yī biān… is everyday; on the one hand一方面yì fāng miàn…on the one hand一方面yì fāng miàn… gives aspects.

Practise this pattern step by step.

no不是bú shì … ，exactly就是jiù shì … (either … or …)

Always one or the other

• You complain about the weather in your city in spring.
• here这里zhè lǐ(modifier / structural particle)的despring (season)春天chūn tiānno不是bú shìto be windy刮风guā fēng，exactly就是jiù shìto rain下雨xià yǔ。 – "Spring here is either windy or rainy."

no不是bú shì A，exactly就是jiù shì B = either A or B

• no不是bú shì A，exactly就是jiù shì B = it is always one of the two: if not A, then B.
• It often describes a habit or a frustrating situation.

he他tāat weekends周末zhōu mòif not不是bú shìsleeping睡觉shuì jiào，then就是jiù shìplaying打dǎgames游戏yóu xì。

Two possibilities, nothing else

• Guess: this这个zhè ge(concept of) time时间shí jiānhe / him他tāno不是bú shìat / in在zàilibrary图书馆tú shū guǎn，exactly就是jiù shìat / in在zàidining hall食堂shí táng。 – "At this time he's either in the library or the canteen."
• Complaint: you你nǐno不是bú shìto arrive late迟到chí dào，exactly就是jiù shìto leave early (before the…早退zǎo tuì！ – "You're either late or leaving early!"

he他tāif not不是bú shìat在zàithe library图书馆tú shū guǎn，then就是jiù shìat在zàithe canteen食堂shí táng。

Not "isn't … but is …"

• no不是bú shì A，rather而是ér shì B = not A but B (a correction): he / him他tāno不是bú shìteacher老师lǎo shī，rather而是ér shìdoctor医生yī shēng. Different meaning!
• no不是bú shì A，exactly就是jiù shì B = either A or B (two options, one of them true).

Versus or或者huò zhě…or或者huò zhě…

• or或者huò zhě…or或者huò zhě… offers choices: or或者huò zhěyou你nǐto come来lái，or或者huò zhěI / me我wǒto go去qù.
• no不是bú shì…exactly就是jiù shì… describes a situation with only two outcomes, often habitual.

he他tānot不是bú shìa teacher老师lǎo shī，but而是ér shìa doctor医生yī shēng。

Recap

• no不是bú shì A，exactly就是jiù shì B = either A or B (one of the two).
• no不是bú shì A，rather而是ér shì B = not A but B (correction).

Practise this pattern step by step.

Practice without the models

Choose a pattern, cover its teaching examples, and attempt its questions. Use the labels to find feedback in the separate key.

Advanced (把: marks the object)把bǎ ((把: marks the object)把bǎ + Obj + Verb + result)

2001.1 Complete: “Please translate this sentence into English.” to ask请qǐng(把: marks the object)把bǎ这句zhè jùold variant of 话话huàto translate翻译fān yì…………English (language)英文yīng wén。

2001.2 Which sentence is correct?

• A. you你nǐ(把: marks the object)把bǎquestion问题wèn tíshould应该yīng gāivariant of 说说shuōclear清楚qīng chǔ。
• B. you你nǐ(把: marks the object)把bǎshould应该yīng gāiquestion问题wèn tívariant of 说说shuōclear清楚qīng chǔ。
• C. you你nǐshould应该yīng gāivariant of 说说shuō(把: marks the object)把bǎquestion问题wèn tíclear清楚qīng chǔ。
• D. you你nǐshould应该yīng gāi(把: marks the object)把bǎquestion问题wèn tívariant of 说说shuōclear清楚qīng chǔ。

2001.3 Build: “She cleaned the room spotless.”

Arrange all chunks: to clean打扫dǎ sǎo(degree marker)得de / she / her她tā / 干干净净gān gān jìng jìng。 / (把: marks the object)把bǎroom房间fáng jiān

2001.4 I / me我wǒ(把: marks the object)把bǎhe / him他tāto see看见kàn jiàn(completed / change)了le is a natural sentence.

True or false? Explain or repair the statement.

2001.5 Your manager hands back your draft with instructions. Close the examples. Say a Mandarin response, then write it in Chinese. Explain briefly in English what the lesson’s pattern adds. Compare with the model, then change one detail and try again.

Write or say your own response before reading the key.

N1 + unlike不比bù bǐ + N2 + Adj (no more … than)

2002.1 Rebut: “My room is no smaller than yours.” I / me我wǒ(modifier / structural particle)的deroom房间fáng jiān…………than / compared to比bǐyou你nǐ(modifier / structural particle)的desmall小xiǎo。

2002.2 Which says clearly that A is shorter than B?

• A. Awith / and跟gēnBsame一样yī yànghigh高gāo。
• B. Athan / compared to比bǐB不高bù gāo。
• C. Anot have / haven't没有méi yǒuBhigh高gāo。
• D. Aunlike不比bù bǐBhigh高gāo。

2002.3 Build: “Today is no colder than yesterday.”

Arrange all chunks: unlike不比bù bǐ / yesterday昨天zuó tiān / today今天jīn tiān / cold冷lěng。

2002.4 younger brother弟弟dì diunlike不比bù bǐolder brother哥哥gē gēhigh高gāo means the younger brother is definitely shorter.

True or false? Explain or repair the statement.

2002.5 Your friend thinks the expensive brand is much better. You think it's no better than the cheap one. Close the examples. Say a Mandarin response, then write it in Chinese. Explain briefly in English what the lesson’s pattern adds. Compare with the model, then change one detail and try again.

Write or say your own response before reading the key.

want / will / need要yào + Verb + then / just就jiù + Verb (if you're going to, do it right)

2003.1 Complete: “If you're going to learn, learn properly.” 要学yào xué…………好好学hǎo hǎo xué。

2003.2 Which gives permission rather than advice?

• A. want / think / miss想xiǎngto walk走zǒuthen / just就jiùto walk走zǒu(suggestion)吧ba。
• B. want / will / need要yàoto make做zuòthen / just就jiùto make做zuòto finish完wán。
• C. as for要说yào shuōthen / just就jiùvariant of 说说shuōclear清楚qīng chǔ。
• D. want / will / need要yàoto buy买mǎithen / just就jiùto ingratiate oneself买好mǎi hǎo(modifier / structural particle)的de。

2003.3 Build: “If you're going to buy one, buy a good one.”

Arrange all chunks: then / just就jiùto buy买mǎi / want / will / need要yàoto buy买mǎi / quality质量zhì liànggood好hǎo(modifier / structural particle)的de。

2003.4 want / will / need要yào…then / just就jiù… is mainly used in formal writing.

True or false? Explain or repair the statement.

2003.5 Your friend wants to learn the guitar but only practises five minutes a week. Close the examples. Say a Mandarin response, then write it in Chinese. Explain briefly in English what the lesson’s pattern adds. Compare with the model, then change one detail and try again.

Write or say your own response before reading the key.

cannot do without少不了shào bù liǎo (can't do without)

2004.1 Complete: “Chinese New Year isn't complete without dumplings.” to celebrate the Chinese…过年guò nián…………dumpling饺子jiǎo zi。

2004.2 What does so much这么zhè meto make做zuò，cannot do without少不了shào bù liǎowant / will / need要yàoto suffer挨āito criticize批评pī píng mean?

• A. You're bound to be criticised.
• B. Criticise less.
• C. Criticism is missing.
• D. You won't be criticised.

2004.3 Build: “He's the lead; we can't do without him.”

Arrange all chunks: cannot do without少不了shào bù liǎo / he / him他tā。 / he / him他tāto be / is是shìleading role主角zhǔ jué / ，

2004.4 child孩子hái ziinseparable离不开lí bù kāimama妈妈mā mā means the child depends on its mother.

True or false? Explain or repair the statement.

2004.5 Your family is planning grandma's 80th birthday party. Close the examples. Say a Mandarin response, then write it in Chinese. Explain briefly in English what the lesson’s pattern adds. Compare with the model, then change one detail and try again.

Write or say your own response before reading the key.

A to equal等于děng yú B (equals / amounts to)

2005.1 Complete: “Ten minus four equals six.” 十减shí jiǎnfour四sì…………six六liù。

2005.2 What does expensive贵guìnot不bùto equal等于děng yúgood好hǎo mean?

• A. Expensive equals good.
• B. Expensive is not good.
• C. Expensive doesn't mean good.
• D. Good things are expensive.

2005.3 Build: “Wasting time is the same as wasting your life.”

Arrange all chunks: to waste浪费làng fèi / 浪费时间làng fèi shí jiān / life (as the characteristic…生命shēng mìng。 / then / just就jiùto equal等于děng yú

2005.4 to equal等于děng yú can express that two things have the same effect.

True or false? Explain or repair the statement.

2005.5 Your friend didn't object when you suggested the plan. Close the examples. Say a Mandarin response, then write it in Chinese. Explain briefly in English what the lesson’s pattern adds. Compare with the model, then change one detail and try again.

Write or say your own response before reading the key.

from从cóng … to hit (the mark)中zhōng (from within)

2006.1 Complete: “Learn from failure.” from从cóngto be defeated失败shī bài…………to learn学习xué xí。

2006.2 Which sentence is correct?

• A. from从cóngthese这些zhè xiē书选shū xuǎn一本yī běnto hit (the mark)中zhōng。
• B. to choose选xuǎn一个yí gèfrom within从中cóng zhōng。
• C. from从cóngthese这些zhè xiēbook书shūto be chosen中选zhōng xuǎn一本yī běn。
• D. 选从xuǎn cóngthese这些zhè xiē书中shū zhōng一本yī běn。

2006.3 Build: “He gained a lot of experience from work.”

Arrange all chunks: 很多hěn duōexperience经验jīng yàn。 / to get得到dé dào(completed / change)了le / he / him他tā / from从cóngto work工作gōng zuòto hit (the mark)中zhōng

2006.4 from within从中cóng zhōng can refer back to something just mentioned.

True or false? Explain or repair the statement.

2006.5 Your coach talks to the team after a lost match. Close the examples. Say a Mandarin response, then write it in Chinese. Explain briefly in English what the lesson’s pattern adds. Compare with the model, then change one detail and try again.

Write or say your own response before reading the key.

not to have无wú … used in 可汗可kě … (have no … to …)

2007.1 Complete: “I have nothing to say.” 我无话wǒ wú huà…………variant of 说说shuō。

2007.2 Match each phrase to its meaning.

• 1. 无处可去wú chǔ kě qù
• 2. not to have无wúmatter事shìused in 可汗可kěto make做zuò
• 3. homeless无家可归wú jiā kě guī

• A. homeless

• B. nothing to do

• C. nowhere to go

2007.3 Which is the spoken equivalent of to have nothing to say…无话可说wú huà kě shuō?

• A. not have / haven't没有méi yǒuwhat什么shén meold variant of 话话huàvariant of 说说shuōcan / may可以kě yǐ。
• B. 有话yǒu huàcan / may可以kě yǐvariant of 说说shuō(modifier / structural particle)的de。
• C. not to have无wúwhat什么shén mecan / may可以kě yǐvariant of 说说shuō。
• D. not have / haven't没有méi yǒuwhat什么shén mecan / may可以kě yǐvariant of 说说shuō(modifier / structural particle)的de。

2007.4 to have nothing to say…无话可说wú huà kě shuō is more formal than 没话说méi huà shuō.

True or false? Explain or repair the statement.

2007.5 After a long argument, your friend shrugs and goes quiet. Close the examples. Say a Mandarin response, then write it in Chinese. Explain briefly in English what the lesson’s pattern adds. Compare with the model, then change one detail and try again.

Write or say your own response before reading the key.

not only (... but also ...)不但bù dàn …，even甚至shèn zhìto link连lián … also也yě … (not only …, even …)

2008.1 Complete: “He not only forgot his pen, he even forgot his ticket.” he / him他tānot only (... but also ...)不但bù dànto forget忘wàng(completed / change)了le带笔dài bǐ，even甚至shèn zhì…………(exam) admission ticket准考证zhǔn kǎo zhèngalso也yěto forget忘wàng(completed / change)了le。

2008.2 Which order is correct?

• A. teacher老师lǎo shīeven甚至shèn zhìalso也yěto link连liánnot不bùto know知道zhī dào。
• B. to link连liáneven甚至shèn zhìteacher老师lǎo shīalso也yěnot不bùto know知道zhī dào。
• C. even甚至shèn zhìteacher老师lǎo shīto link连liánalso也yěnot不bùto know知道zhī dào。
• D. even甚至shèn zhìto link连liánteacher老师lǎo shīalso也yěnot不bùto know知道zhī dào。

2008.3 Build: “Even the teacher can't explain it clearly.”

Arrange all chunks: 说不清楚shuō bù qīng chǔ。 / to link连liánteacher老师lǎo shī / also也yě / even甚至shèn zhì

2008.4 The B item in this pattern should be the most surprising one.

True or false? Explain or repair the statement.

2008.5 Your roommate had a terrible morning before the exam. Close the examples. Say a Mandarin response, then write it in Chinese. Explain briefly in English what the lesson’s pattern adds. Compare with the model, then change one detail and try again.

Write or say your own response before reading the key.

with / and跟gēn / and / with和hé … to have sth to do with有关yǒu guān(modifier / structural particle)的de + Noun (related to)

2009.1 Complete: “This matter is related to him.” 这件zhè jiànmatter事shìwith / and跟gēnhe / him他tā…………。

2009.2 Which phrase is correct?

• A. book书shūwith / and跟gēnhistory历史lì shǐto have sth to do with有关yǒu guān(modifier / structural particle)的de
• B. to have sth to do with有关yǒu guān(modifier / structural particle)的dewith / and跟gēnhistory历史lì shǐbook书shū
• C. with / and跟gēnhistory历史lì shǐto have sth to do with有关yǒu guān(modifier / structural particle)的debook书shū
• D. with / and跟gēnto have sth to do with有关yǒu guānhistory历史lì shǐ(modifier / structural particle)的debook书shū

2009.3 Build: “His illness is related to stress.”

Arrange all chunks: with / and跟gēnpressure压力yā lì / to have sth to do with有关yǒu guān。 / he / him他tā(modifier / structural particle)的deillness病bìng

2009.4 this这zhèwith / and跟gēnI / me我wǒnot have / haven't没有méi yǒuvariant of 关系关系guān xì means “This has nothing to do with me.”

True or false? Explain or repair the statement.

2009.5 You are writing about air pollution and go to the library. Close the examples. Say a Mandarin response, then write it in Chinese. Explain briefly in English what the lesson’s pattern adds. Compare with the model, then change one detail and try again.

Write or say your own response before reading the key.

so-called所谓suǒ wèi (the so-called …)

2010.1 Complete the definition: “What is called 'low-carbon' means reducing emissions.” …………(attributive) low-carbon低碳dī tàn，exactly就是jiù shìto lessen减少jiǎn shǎoto arrange in order排放pái fàng。

2010.2 What does this这zhèexactly就是jiù shìyou你nǐso-called所谓suǒ wèi(modifier / structural particle)的de“good好hǎoplan主意zhǔ yì”？ suggest?

• A. The speaker admires the idea.
• B. The speaker is asking for an idea.
• C. The speaker is defining a term.
• D. The speaker doubts the idea is good.

2010.3 Build: “Happiness is doing what you love.”

Arrange all chunks: to like喜欢xǐ huan(modifier / structural particle)的dematter事shì。 / to make做zuòoneself自己zì jǐ / so-called所谓suǒ wèihappiness幸福xìng fú / ，exactly就是jiù shì

2010.4 to be called叫做jiào zuò is the neutral way to name something.

True or false? Explain or repair the statement.

2010.5 Your friend promised a quick route home; it took twice as long. Close the examples. Say a Mandarin response, then write it in Chinese. Explain briefly in English what the lesson’s pattern adds. Compare with the model, then change one detail and try again.

Write or say your own response before reading the key.

at / in在zài + Time + inside内nèi (within a span)

2011.1 Complete (formal notice): “Pay within thirty days.” to ask请qǐngat / in在zài三十天sān shí tiān…………to pay a sum of money付款fù kuǎn。

2011.2 Which means “after a week” (not before)?

• A. one week一周yī zhōuwithin以内yǐ nèi
• B. one week一周yī zhōuinside内nèi
• C. one week一周yī zhōuafter以后yǐ hòu
• D. at / in在zàione week一周yī zhōuinside内nèi

2011.3 Build: “No smoking within the school.”

Arrange all chunks: at / in在zàischool学校xué xiàoinside内nèi / to smoke吸烟xī yān。 / cannot不能bù néng

2011.4 to complete完成wán chéngat / in在zài三天sān tiāninside内nèi is the normal word order.

True or false? Explain or repair the statement.

2011.5 The online shop promises fast delivery in its advert. Close the examples. Say a Mandarin response, then write it in Chinese. Explain briefly in English what the lesson’s pattern adds. Compare with the model, then change one detail and try again.

Write or say your own response before reading the key.

preferably宁可nìng kě … ，also也yě … (would rather)

2012.1 Complete: “I'd rather stay at home than go out in this rain.” I / me我wǒpreferably宁可nìng kě待在家里dài zài jiā lǐ，…………not不bùat / in在zàiso much这么zhè mesee 大夫大dà(modifier / structural particle)的de雨里yǔ lǐto go out出去chū qù。

2012.2 How is variant of 宁宁níng read in preferably宁可nìng kě?

• A. nìng
• B. nīng
• C. nǐng
• D. níng

2012.3 Build: “He'd rather go hungry than eat junk food.”

Arrange all chunks: also也yě不吃bù chī / he / him他tāpreferably宁可nìng kěto be hungry饿è(ongoing -ing)着zhe / trash垃圾lā jīfoodstuff食品shí pǐn。 / ，

2012.4 rather than...与其yǔ qí A not equal to不如bù rú B recommends B.

True or false? Explain or repair the statement.

2012.5 Your friend suggests taking the crowded night bus. You'd rather walk an hour. Close the examples. Say a Mandarin response, then write it in Chinese. Explain briefly in English what the lesson’s pattern adds. Compare with the model, then change one detail and try again.

Write or say your own response before reading the key.

Verb + then / just就jiù + Verb (indifference / a shrug)

2013.1 Accept it: “If it's expensive, so be it – I like it.” expensive贵guìthen / just就jiù…………(suggestion)吧ba，I / me我wǒto like喜欢xǐ huan。

2013.2 What does to lose输shū(completed / change)了lethen / just就jiùto lose输shū(completed / change)了le，next time下次xià cìagain / then再zàito come来lái express?

• A. A plan to cheat
• B. Surprise at winning
• C. Great disappointment
• D. Accepting the loss and moving on

2013.3 Build: “If it's lost, it's lost; buy another one.”

Arrange all chunks: 一个yí gè(suggestion)吧ba。 / to lose丢diū(completed / change)了le / ，again / then再zàito buy买mǎi / then / just就jiùto lose丢diū(completed / change)了le

2013.4 to go去qùthen / just就jiùto go去qù，who谁shéito be afraid怕pàwho谁shéi！ sounds defiant.

True or false? Explain or repair the statement.

2013.5 Your friend apologises for being five minutes late. You really don't mind. Close the examples. Say a Mandarin response, then write it in Chinese. Explain briefly in English what the lesson’s pattern adds. Compare with the model, then change one detail and try again.

Write or say your own response before reading the key.

Action，good好hǎo + Purpose (so that)

2014.1 Complete: “Write down the address so you don't forget.” (把: marks the object)把bǎaddress地址dì zhǐto write写xiěto come down下来xià lái，…………improbable不会bú huìto forget忘wàng。

2014.2 In 早点儿zǎo diǎn érto sleep睡shuì，good好hǎotomorrow明天míng tiānto get up early早起zǎo qǐ, what does good好hǎo mean?

• A. very
• B. so that
• C. finished
• D. good

2014.3 Build: “Leave a note so that he knows.”

Arrange all chunks: he / him他tāto know知道zhī dào。 / ， / good好hǎoto let / make让ràng / 留个liú gè(informal) note便条biàn tiáo

2014.4 so that以便yǐ biàn is a formal equivalent of this good好hǎo.

True or false? Explain or repair the statement.

2014.5 You are going out and your flatmate will come home later. Close the examples. Say a Mandarin response, then write it in Chinese. Explain briefly in English what the lesson’s pattern adds. Compare with the model, then change one detail and try again.

Write or say your own response before reading the key.

one side一面yí miàn … ，one side一面yí miàn … (two things at once)

2015.1 Complete: “She works while studying for a master's.” she / her她tāone side一面yí miànto work工作gōng zuò，…………to read out读dúgraduate student研究生yán jiū shēng。

2015.2 Which describes two reasons, not two simultaneous actions?

• A. one side一面yí miàn…one side一面yí miàn…
• B. one side一边yī biān…one side一边yī biān…
• C. on the one hand一方面yì fāng miàn…on the one hand一方面yì fāng miàn…
• D. again又yòu…again又yòu…

2015.3 Build: “He goes to university and works part-time.”

Arrange all chunks: ，one side一面yí miàn / (bound form) up上shànguniversity大学dà xué / he / him他tāone side一面yí miàn / to work a temporary or…打工dǎ gōng。

2015.4 one side一面yí miàn…one side一面yí miàn… is more formal than one side一边yī biān…one side一边yī biān….

True or false? Explain or repair the statement.

2015.5 Your uncle is a taxi driver who loves to tell stories while he drives. Close the examples. Say a Mandarin response, then write it in Chinese. Explain briefly in English what the lesson’s pattern adds. Compare with the model, then change one detail and try again.

Write or say your own response before reading the key.

no不是bú shì … ，exactly就是jiù shì … (either … or …)

2016.1 Complete: “At weekends he either sleeps or plays games.” he / him他tāweekend周末zhōu mòno不是bú shìto go to bed睡觉shuì jiào，…………打游戏dǎ yóu xì。

2016.2 What does he / him他tāno不是bú shìteacher老师lǎo shī，rather而是ér shìdoctor医生yī shēng mean?

• A. He isn't a teacher; he's a doctor.
• B. He is either a teacher or a doctor.
• C. He is neither.
• D. He is both a teacher and a doctor.

2016.3 Build: “He's either in the library or the canteen.”

Arrange all chunks: ， / exactly就是jiù shì / at / in在zàidining hall食堂shí táng。 / he / him他tāno不是bú shìat / in在zàilibrary图书馆tú shū guǎn

2016.4 no不是bú shì…exactly就是jiù shì… often describes a habit or a frustrating pattern.

True or false? Explain or repair the statement.

2016.5 You complain about the weather in your city in spring. Close the examples. Say a Mandarin response, then write it in Chinese. Explain briefly in English what the lesson’s pattern adds. Compare with the model, then change one detail and try again.

Write or say your own response before reading the key.

A fresh situation

R1. Interpret and repair. A learner reports I / me我wǒ(把: marks the object)把bǎthis这zhè本书běn shūto see看kàn as a complete disposal/result statement. Add an outcome suitable for the context.

R2. Use it yourself. Choose walking over waiting, then state that the waiting time exceeded an expectation without inventing a total.

Write your responses before opening the key. Compare meaning as well as form; a different valid answer need not copy the model.