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.
about the same差不多 (almost / about the same)
Which one should I buy?
- You compare two phones in a shop. The prices, cameras and sizes are almost identical.
- this这两个cell phone手机about the same差不多。 — "These two phones are about the same."
about the same差不多 as an adjective: about the same
- A with / and跟 B about the same差不多 / A and / with和 B about the same差不多 = A and B are about the same: I / me我with / and跟I / me我older brother哥哥about the same差不多high高.
- Alone after the subject, it can mean "nearly the same" or "nearly done": school assignment作业写得about the same差不多(completed / change)了.
I我and跟my我older brother哥哥about equally差不多tall高。
about the same差不多 as an adverb: almost, about
- Before a number or time: about the same差不多十点(completed / change)了。 — "It's almost ten." about the same差不多五十个person人 — "about fifty people".
- Before all / both都 / all所有: to study at the same school同学(plural)们about the same差不多all / both都to come来(completed / change)了。 — "Almost all the classmates have come."
the classmates同学们almost差不多all都come来了。
Two jobs, two positions
- Before a number or verb phrase it means "almost": about the same差不多三点. After the things compared it means "similar": price价格about the same差不多.
- It does not mean "nearly happened (but didn't)"; that is erhua variant of 差点差点儿: I / me我erhua variant of 差点差点儿to arrive late迟到.
about the same差不多就行了: good enough
- about the same差不多就行了。 — "That's good enough." A relaxed attitude to small details.
- he / him他to be / is是(measure word)个"about the same差不多teacher先生"。 — said of someone who never bothers to be exact.
close enough差不多then就OK行了。
Recap
- A with / and跟 B about the same差不多 = about the same; about the same差不多 + number / all / both都 = almost, about.
- about the same差不多就行了 = good enough. "Nearly happened" is erhua variant of 差点差点儿.
Practise this pattern step by step.
apparently看来 (it seems / in one's view)
Dark clouds over the hills
- The sky turns grey and the wind picks up while you are hiking.
- apparently看来want / will / need要to rain下雨(completed / change)了，we / us我们to return回去(suggestion)吧。 — "It looks like it's going to rain; let's head back."
apparently看来，… = judging from this
- apparently看来 draws a conclusion from what you have noticed: "it seems, it looks as if".
- It usually starts the sentence, sometimes with a comma: apparently看来，he / him他today今天improbable不会to come来(completed / change)了.
it seems看来，he他today今天won't不会come来了。
Evidence first, then apparently看来
- he / him他to / arrive到now现在still / also还not / haven't没variant of 回回news消息，apparently看来to be / is是degree / adjective linker很busy忙。 — "He still hasn't replied — he must be busy."
- you你(modifier / structural particle)的Chinese language中文progress进步so much这么rapid快，apparently看来every day每天all / both都at / in在to practice练习。 — "Your Chinese is improving so fast; you must practise every day."
he他still还hasn't没replied回，it seems看来very很busy忙。
A conclusion, not a look
- apparently看来 reasons from evidence; for how something looks, use seemingly看起来: he / him他seemingly看起来很累 — "He looks tired."
- Put apparently看来 before the conclusion, not after it: apparently看来他病(completed / change)了, not 他病(completed / change)了apparently看来.
in my opinion在我看来 = in my view
- in my opinion在我看来，this这个means办法not so good不太好。 — "In my view, this approach isn't very good."
- at / in在…apparently看来 gives someone's opinion; apparently看来 alone draws a conclusion from facts.
in在my我view看来，this这个method办法not very不太good好。
Recap
- apparently看来，… = it seems / it looks as if, a conclusion drawn from evidence.
- seemingly看起来 = appearance; at / in在…apparently看来 = in someone's view.
Practise this pattern step by step.
just (in time)正好 (just right / exactly)
Perfect timing
- You are about to phone your friend when your phone rings — it's her.
- you你to emerge (from a…来得just (in time)正好，I / me我正想to / for / give给you你to make a telephone call打电话。 — "You've come at just the right moment; I was just about to call you."
just (in time)正好 = just right
- As a description: large and small大小just (in time)正好。 — "The size is just right." (concept of) time时间just (in time)正好 — "The timing is perfect."
- After a (degree marker)得 complement: you你to emerge (from a…来得just (in time)正好 — "You came at the right time."
this这pair of双shoes鞋size大小just right正好。
just (in time)正好 + Verb = happen to
- I / me我just (in time)正好also也want / will / need要to go去supermarket (abbr. for 超级市场)超市，in the same place一起to walk走(suggestion)吧。 — "I happen to be going to the supermarket too; let's go together."
- It points to a lucky coincidence that fits the situation.
I我happen to正好also也be going to要go to去the supermarket超市。
Exactly an amount
- Before a number, just (in time)正好 = exactly: just (in time)正好一百块. For "about", use left and right左右 or about the same差不多: 一百块left and right左右.
- Do not confuse it with in the middle of正在 (in the middle of doing): I / me我in the middle of正在to have a meal吃饭, not I / me我just (in time)正好to have a meal吃饭 for "I'm eating".
just (in time)正好 versus just刚好 and in the middle of正在
- just刚好 is almost the same as just (in time)正好: just刚好十点.
- just (in time)正好 can also open a sentence to stress the lucky timing: just (in time)正好，he / him他also也at / in在there那儿 — "As it happened, he was there too."
in total一共exactly正好one hundred一百yuan块。
Recap
- just (in time)正好 = just right (large and small大小just (in time)正好), happen to (I / me我just (in time)正好also也to go去), exactly (just (in time)正好一百块).
- just刚好 is a close synonym; "about" is left and right左右, and "in the middle of doing" is in the middle of正在.
Practise this pattern step by step.
to have no other option but…只好 (have no choice but to)
The last bus has gone
- You leave a party at midnight and the last bus left ten minutes ago. Taxis are all taken.
- not have / haven't没有war chariot (archaic)车(completed / change)了，we / us我们to have no other option but…只好to walk走to return home回家。 — "There's no transport left, so we have no choice but to walk home."
Obstacle，Subject + to have no other option but…只好 + Verb
- to have no other option but…只好 = "have no choice but to, can only": the action is the only option left.
- The reason comes first; to have no other option but…只好 goes after the subject of the result: I / me我to have no other option but…只好….
fall下heavy rain大雨了，the match比赛had to只好be cancelled取消。
Accepting a second-best choice
- store商店to close a door关门(completed / change)了，I / me我to have no other option but…只好tomorrow明天again / then再to come来。 — "The shop was closed, so I'll have to come back tomorrow."
- he / him他improbable不会to prepare a meal做饭，to have no other option but…只好every day每天variant of 吃吃instant noodles方便面。 — "He can't cook, so he has to eat instant noodles every day."
the shop商店closed关门了，I我had to只好tomorrow明天again再come来。
Reason first, to have no other option but…只好 after the subject
- Give the obstacle before to have no other option but…只好; to have no other option but…只好 alone with no reason sounds incomplete.
- Place to have no other option but…只好 after the subject: I / me我to have no other option but…只好to walk走路, not to have no other option but…只好I / me我to walk走路 in most speech.
to have no other option but…只好 versus have no choice or option…不得不
- have no choice or option…不得不 is stronger and a little more formal: forced by duty or pressure: 他病(completed / change)了，I / me我have no choice or option…不得不to substitute for替he / him他to go to class上课.
- to have no other option but…只好 sounds more resigned: "Oh well, I'll just have to …".
he他ill病了，I我had to不得不for替him他teach上课。
Recap
- Obstacle，Subject + to have no other option but…只好 + Verb = have no choice but to.
- to have no other option but…只好 is resigned; have no choice or option…不得不 is stronger and more formal.
Practise this pattern step by step.
again又 + not不 / not / haven't没 (emphatic negation)
It's not as if I'm your servant
- Your roommate asks you, again, to wash his dishes.
- I / me我again又no不是you你(modifier / structural particle)的waiter服务员！ — "I'm not your waiter, you know!" again又 + not不 pushes back against an assumption.
again又 + not不 / not / haven't没 = emphatic negation
- again又 + not不/not / haven't没 strengthens a negative to reject what someone assumes: "it's not as if …".
- It is spoken, often a little impatient or defensive.
I我(it's not as if)又not不am是your你的waiter服务员。
Giving the reason behind a reaction
- you你别怪he / him他，he / him他again又not / haven't没to make做mistake错。 — "Don't blame him — it's not like he did anything wrong."
- to be afraid怕what什么？he / him他again又improbable不会variant of 吃吃(completed / change)了you你。 — "What are you afraid of? He's not going to eat you."
you你don't别blame怪him他，he他(it's not as if)又didn't没do wrong做错。
Not "again"
- In again又not不 / again又not / haven't没, again又 is not "again"; it adds force to the denial.
- Keep it in speech; in neutral statements, plain not不 / not / haven't没 is enough: he / him他not / haven't没to make做mistake错.
again又 + not不 versus variant of 并并 + not不
- variant of 并并not不 denies a mistaken idea in a calmer, more written way: this这个question问题variant of 并并不难.
- again又not不 is personal and emotional: I / me我again又no不是unexpectedly不想to go去 — "It's not that I don't want to go."
this这个question问题(actually)并not不hard难。
Recap
- again又 + not不 / not / haven't没 = it's not as if …, rejecting an assumption (spoken, emphatic).
- Not "again" here. Calmer written denial: variant of 并并not不.
Practise this pattern step by step.
used in 可汗可 + Adj (emphatic)
Harbin in January
- A friend from the south asks whether Harbin in winter is really as cold as people say.
- Harbin, subprovincial city…哈尔滨(modifier / structural particle)的winter冬天可冷(completed / change)了！ — "Harbin winters are really cold!"
used in 可汗可 + Adjective + (completed / change)了
- used in 可汗可 + Adj (+ (completed / change)了 / (and …? / softener)呢) = "really, so" with emphasis, in speech: good or not?可好(completed / change)了, to be treasured可贵(completed / change)了, used in 可汗可interesting有意思(completed / change)了.
- It often tells someone something they may not believe or know.
this这个film电影really可interesting有意思了。
Warnings and reminders
- used in 可汗可 + don't别 / want / will / need要: you你used in 可汗可别忘了！ — "Don't you forget!" you你used in 可汗可want / will / need要to be careful小心！ — "Do be careful!"
- The used in 可汗可 adds urgency to the request.
you你(do)可don't别forget忘了！
Spoken emphasis
- Use used in 可汗可…(completed / change)了 in conversation; in writing choose very非常 or very十分.
- used in 可汗可 + Adj usually needs (completed / change)了 or (and …? / softener)呢 at the end: 可冷(completed / change)了, not just 可冷.
used in 可汗可 as "but"
- At the start of a clause, used in 可汗可 can be short for but可是: I / me我want / think / miss想to go去，used in 可汗可not / haven't没(concept of) time时间 — "I'd like to go, but I don't have time."
- Before an adjective with (completed / change)了, it is the emphatic "really".
I我want to想go去，but可haven't没time时间。
Recap
- used in 可汗可 + Adj + (completed / change)了 = really …! (spoken emphasis); used in 可汗可don't别 / used in 可汗可want / will / need要 = urgent warnings.
- At the start of a clause, used in 可汗可 can mean "but".
Practise this pattern step by step.
original原来 (so it turns out / all along)
So that's why
- Your colleague hasn't touched his lunch all week. Today you find out he has a toothache.
- original原来he / him他牙疼，(it's) no wonder (that...)难怪not不to have a meal吃饭。 — "So he has toothache — no wonder he isn't eating."
original原来 = so it turns out
- original原来 announces a discovery: the truth you have just found out explains something.
- It usually starts the clause: original原来to be / is是you你！ — "Oh, it's you!"
so it turns out原来it's是you你！
Discovery and explanation
- I / me我to think (i.e. to take it…以为he / him他to be / is是teacher老师，original原来he / him他to be / is是student学生。 — "I thought he was a teacher, but it turns out he's a student."
- Often with (it's) no wonder (that...)难怪 (no wonder): original原来to snow下雪(completed / change)了，(it's) no wonder (that...)难怪so much这么cold冷。
so it turns out原来snow下雪了，no wonder难怪so这么cold冷。
Two meanings
- At the start of a clause, original原来 reveals a discovery: original原来to be / is是this way / so这样！ — "So that's how it is!"
- Before a noun (with (modifier / structural particle)的) or describing the past, it means "original(ly)": original原来(modifier / structural particle)的plan计划 — "the original plan".
original原来 = originally
- he / him他original原来to live住at / in在Beijing, capital of the…北京，afterwards后来to move (i.e. relocate…搬to / arrive到(completed / change)了Shanghai municipality…上海。 — "He originally lived in Beijing; later he moved to Shanghai."
- Here original原来 contrasts the earlier situation with a later change.
he他originally原来live住in在Beijing北京。
Recap
- original原来，… = so it turns out (a discovery), often with (it's) no wonder (that...)难怪 or after I / me我to think (i.e. to take it…以为.
- original原来 + (modifier / structural particle)的 + noun / earlier situation = original, originally.
Practise this pattern step by step.
almost差点 (almost / nearly)
That was close
- You slipped on the ice outside your building but grabbed the railing just in time.
- I / me我erhua variant of 差点差点儿to fall down摔倒。 — "I nearly fell." It almost happened, but didn't.
almost差点(non-syllabic diminutive…儿) + Verb = nearly happened
- almost差点(non-syllabic diminutive…儿) + Verb = something almost happened but did not: erhua variant of 差点差点儿to arrive late迟到, erhua variant of 差点差点儿to forget忘(completed / change)了.
- It goes before the verb, after the subject; (completed / change)了 often closes the sentence: I / me我erhua variant of 差点差点儿to forget忘(completed / change)了.
I我nearly差点儿forget忘了。
With not / haven't没: the tricky part
- For something unwanted, erhua variant of 差点差点儿 and erhua variant of 差点差点儿not / haven't没 mean the same: erhua variant of 差点差点儿to fall down摔倒 = erhua variant of 差点差点儿not / haven't没to fall down摔倒 — "nearly fell (but didn't)".
- For something wanted, not / haven't没 flips the meaning: I / me我erhua variant of 差点差点儿not / haven't没to keep up with赶上train火车。 — "I nearly missed the train (but caught it)."
I我nearly差点儿not没catch赶上the train火车。
Wanted or unwanted?
- Wanted result: erhua variant of 差点差点儿to pass a university…考上 = almost passed (but failed); erhua variant of 差点差点儿没考上 = nearly failed (but passed).
- Unwanted result: erhua variant of 差点差点儿to crash (into another car)撞车 and erhua variant of 差点差点儿not / haven't没to crash (into another car)撞车 both = nearly crashed (but didn't).
erhua variant of 差点差点儿 versus about the same差不多
- erhua variant of 差点差点儿 = "nearly happened": he / him他erhua variant of 差点差点儿to cry哭(completed / change)了 — "He nearly cried."
- about the same差不多 = "about, almost (in amount)": about the same差不多十点(completed / change)了. They are not interchangeable.
he他nearly差点儿cry哭了。
Recap
- erhua variant of 差点差点儿 + Verb = nearly (but didn't).
- Unwanted events: with or without not / haven't没, same meaning. Wanted events: erhua variant of 差点差点儿not / haven't没 = nearly failed but succeeded.
Practise this pattern step by step.
always从来 + not不 / not / haven't没 (never)
Not once in his life
- Your grandfather is eighty and proud of one thing about his health.
- (coll.) father's father爷爷never从来不to smoke (a cigarette…抽烟。 — "Grandpa has never smoked."
always从来 + not不 = never (habit or rule)
- never从来不 + Verb = never, as a habit or personal rule: he / him他never从来不to drink (alcohol)喝酒, I / me我never从来不to arrive late迟到.
- always从来 goes before not不, after the subject.
he他ever从来not不drink喝alcohol酒。
always从来 + not / haven't没(to have / there is有) + Verb + (experienced)过 = never once
- always从来not / haven't没(to have / there is有) + Verb + (experienced)过 = has never done (an experience): I / me我always从来not / haven't没去过Tibet西藏。 — "I've never been to Tibet."
- (experienced)过 highlights experience in these models; not / haven't没 itself does not require (experienced)过 after every predicate.
I我ever从来not没go去(experience)过Tibet西藏。
not不 or not / haven't没, and keep (experienced)过
- Habit or choice → never从来不; past experience → always从来not / haven't没 + V + (experienced)过.
- Use (experienced)过 to highlight experience in this model. It is not required after every always从来not / haven't没; the predicate and intended meaning determine the complete phrase.
Adjectives and always从来all / both都
- With adjectives: he / him他never从来不to worry着急。 — "He's never in a hurry."
- always从来all / both都 for "always" is rare in positive sentences; for "always" use all along一直 or always总是: he / him他all along一直degree / adjective linker很to make an effort努力.
he他ever从来not不anxious着急。
Recap
- never从来不 + Verb/Adj = never (habit, rule, character).
- always从来not / haven't没 + Verb + (experienced)过 = have never (experience). For "always", use all along一直 / always总是.
Practise this pattern step by step.
outcome结果 (as a result / in the end)
So much for the picnic
- You prepared sandwiches all morning for a picnic. At noon it started to pour.
- we / us我们preparation准备(completed / change)了一上午，outcome结果to rain下雨(completed / change)了。 — "We spent the whole morning preparing, and in the end it rained."
…，outcome结果 … = as a result, in the end
- outcome结果 introduces what finally happened, often a surprise or a disappointment.
- It starts the second clause: he / him他not / haven't没variant of 复习复习，outcome结果没考good好.
he他didn't没revise复习，as a result结果didn't没do the exam考well好。
Cause and outcome
- he / him他yesterday昨天睡得degree / adjective linker很evening晚，outcome结果today今天to arrive late迟到(completed / change)了。 — "He went to bed late yesterday, and as a result he was late today."
- The outcome can be good: 我试(completed / change)了(used after a verb) give it…一下，outcome结果really真的success成功(completed / change)了。 — "I gave it a try, and it actually worked."
I我try试了once一下，in the end结果really真的succeed成功了。
Past outcomes, not plans
- outcome结果 reports what actually happened, so it does not fit plans: if如果to rain下雨，we / us我们then / just就not不to go去, not if如果to rain下雨，outcome结果we / us我们不去.
- It starts the result clause: …，outcome结果he / him他to arrive late迟到(completed / change)了, not …，he / him他outcome结果to arrive late迟到(completed / change)了 in most speech.
outcome结果 as a noun
- to take an exam考试(modifier / structural particle)的outcome结果(after a verb, indicates…出来(completed / change)了。 — "The exam results are out." Here outcome结果 is a noun: result, outcome.
- outcome结果how about怎么样？ — "How did it turn out?"
exam考试的results结果come out出来了。
Recap
- …，outcome结果 … = as a result / in the end, what actually happened (often unexpected).
- As a noun, outcome结果 = result. Plans and general causes use so / therefore所以.
Practise this pattern step by step.
enough (sufficient)够 (enough / sufficient)
Is there enough food?
- You invited eight friends, but only cooked for four.
- vegetable菜not enough不够(completed / change)了，I / me我again / then再to make做两个(suggestion)吧。 — "There isn't enough food; I'll make two more dishes."
Noun + enough (sufficient)够 / not enough不够
- enough (sufficient)够 = enough; it works like a verb or adjective: 钱够(completed / change)了, (concept of) time时间not enough不够, person人够不够？
- enough (sufficient)够 can take a noun object: we / us我们enough (sufficient)够person人(completed / change)了 — "We have enough people."
time时间not不enough够了。
enough (sufficient)够 + Verb: enough to …
- coin钱够买一张ticket票。 — "The money is enough to buy one ticket."
- With not不: these这些cooked rice饭not enough不够variant of 吃吃。 — "This rice isn't enough (to eat)."
this这些food饭not不enough够eat吃。
Position
- enough (sufficient)够 normally follows the thing that is enough: 钱够(completed / change)了, (concept of) time时间not enough不够.
- "Enough to do" puts the verb after enough (sufficient)够: 够吃, adequate够用, not 吃够 (that means "have had one's fill").
enough (sufficient)够 + Adj, enough足够
- enough (sufficient)够 + Adj = "quite, really": this这个room房间enough (sufficient)够see 大夫大 — "This room is big enough." 你够(used to describe sb or sth…厉害！ — "You're really something!"
- enough足够 is more formal: we / us我们to have / there is有enough足够(modifier / structural particle)的(concept of) time时间 — "We have sufficient time."
we我们have有sufficient足够的time时间。
Recap
- X + enough (sufficient)够 / not enough不够 = X is (not) enough; enough (sufficient)够 + Verb = enough to: 够吃, adequate够用.
- enough (sufficient)够 + Adj = adj enough; enough足够((modifier / structural particle)的) is formal "sufficient".
Practise this pattern step by step.
even甚至 (even / to the point that)
Too busy to eat
- Your sister has started a new job and works from morning till night.
- she / her她busy忙(degree marker)得even甚至not / haven't没(concept of) time时间to have a meal吃饭。 — "She's so busy she doesn't even have time to eat."
even甚至 + extreme point
- even甚至 = "even, so much that": it introduces the most extreme or surprising item.
- It goes before the part it highlights: even甚至not / haven't没(concept of) time时间to have a meal吃饭, even甚至to link连he / him他also也to come来(completed / change)了.
he他study学得very很hard认真，even甚至at weekends周末also也study学习。
Building up a list
- this这首歌adult大人to like喜欢，child孩子to like喜欢，even甚至old man or woman老人also也to like喜欢。 — "Adults like this song, children like it, even old people like it."
- With to link连…all / both都/also也: he / him他even甚至to link连oneself自己(modifier / structural particle)的name (of a person or thing)名字all / both都写错(completed / change)了。 — "He even wrote his own name wrong."
he他even甚至even连his own自己的name名字(even)都wrote wrong写错了。
Last and strongest
- Put the even甚至 item last, as the strongest point; even甚至 does not introduce an ordinary item.
- even甚至 is more formal than to link连…all / both都 alone; the two often appear together.
even甚至 versus to link连…all / both都
- to link连…all / both都 marks the surprising item: to link连child小孩all / both都to know知道 — "Even children know."
- even甚至 can also join clauses and raise the stakes: he / him他not不to speak说话，even甚至不看I / me我 — "He won't speak, he won't even look at me."
even连children小孩(even)都know知道。
Recap
- even甚至 + extreme item = even, so much that; usually the last, strongest point.
- Often with to link连…all / both都/also也; it can also join clauses.
Practise this pattern step by step.
or / still还是 + Verb (had better)
Traffic jam ahead
- You are about to drive to the airport, but the radio says the motorway is blocked.
- we / us我们or / still还是坐地铁(suggestion)吧。 — "We'd better take the subway."
or / still还是 + Verb (+ (suggestion)吧) = had better
- or / still还是 + Verb = "had better, it would be better to": a suggestion after weighing options.
- (suggestion)吧 at the end makes it a gentle suggestion: or / still还是早点儿to walk走(suggestion)吧.
too太late晚了，you你had better还是go home回家吧。
After thinking it over
- want / think / miss想(completed / change)了want / think / miss想，I / me我or / still还是不去(completed / change)了。 — "I thought it over, and I've decided not to go after all."
- or / still还是 shows you considered other options and came back to this one.
think想了it over想，I我after all还是not不go去了。
Suggestion, not a question
- In a question, or / still还是 = "or": you你to go去or / still还是I / me我to go去？ Here it is a statement or suggestion, so no question mark.
- or / still还是 + not不…(completed / change)了 reverses a plan: I / me我or / still还是不去(completed / change)了 — "I'm not going after all."
or / still还是 versus best最好
- best最好 gives direct advice: you你best最好早点儿to go去 — "You'd best go early."
- or / still还是 sounds like a decision after considering options: or / still还是早点儿to go去(suggestion)吧 — "Let's go early after all."
you你had best最好early早a bit点儿go去。
Recap
- or / still还是 + Verb (+ (suggestion)吧) = had better / after all, a choice made after weighing options.
- Not the question or / still还是 ("or"); best最好 gives more direct advice.
Practise this pattern step by step.
best最好 (had best / it's best to)
Advice from the doctor
- You have a bad cold and ask the doctor what to do.
- you你best最好多喝水，早点儿to go to bed睡觉。 — "You'd best drink plenty of water and go to bed early."
best最好 + Verb = had best
- best最好 + Verb = "it's best to, you'd better": friendly but clear advice.
- It goes after the subject: you你best最好…; the negative is best最好don't别 / best最好don't不要.
you你had best最好not别drink喝coffee咖啡。
Planning and warnings
- to go去Beijing, capital of the…北京best最好to sit坐high speed rail高铁。 — "The best way to get to Beijing is by high-speed train."
- best最好to shift to an earlier date提前to book tickets订票，not so不然买不到。 — "It's best to book in advance, or you won't get a ticket."
best最好in advance提前book tickets订票，otherwise不然can't get them买不到。
Negative: best最好don't别
- "You'd better not" = best最好don't别 / best最好don't不要: best最好别去, not not不best最好to go去.
- best最好 + Verb gives advice; best最好(modifier / structural particle)的 + noun means "the best": best最好(modifier / structural particle)的friend朋友.
best最好 versus should应该
- should应该 states what is right or expected: you你should应该to apologize道歉 — "You should apologise."
- best最好 suggests the wisest option: you你best最好early先to apologize道歉 — "You'd best apologise first."
you你should应该apologise道歉。
Recap
- best最好 + Verb = it's best to / you'd better; negative best最好don't别 / don't不要.
- best最好(modifier / structural particle)的 + noun = the best ….; should应该 = should (duty).
Practise this pattern step by step.
have no choice or option…不得不 (have no choice but to)
No other option
- Your friend has a high fever on the morning of an important exam.
- he / him他to have a high temperature…发烧(completed / change)了，have no choice or option…不得不to request leave of absence请假。 — "He has a fever, so he has no choice but to ask for leave."
Subject + have no choice or option…不得不 + Verb
- have no choice or option…不得不 = "have no choice but to, be forced to": outside pressure makes the action necessary.
- It sits after the subject, before the verb: I / me我have no choice or option…不得不to admit承认, we / us我们have no choice or option…不得不to change改plan计划.
I我have to不得不admit承认，he他says说得right对。
Rules, money, health
- because因为not / haven't没coin钱，he / him他have no choice or option…不得不to sell off卖掉(completed / change)了war chariot (archaic)车。 — "Because he had no money, he had to sell his car."
- airplane飞机(of trains etc) late晚点(completed / change)了，we / us我们have no choice or option…不得不at / in在airport机场to live住one / a一evening晚。 — "The flight was delayed, so we had to spend a night at the airport."
the flight飞机delayed晚点了，we我们had to不得不at在the airport机场stay住one night一晚。
Not "must not"
- have no choice or option…不得不 is a double negative that means "must": "cannot not do". It never means "mustn't".
- "Mustn't" is cannot不能 or not不can / may可以: here这里cannot不能to pull up (stop one's…停车.
have no choice or option…不得不 versus to have no other option but…只好 and to have to必须
- to have no other option but…只好 is resigned and casual: 没车(completed / change)了，to have no other option but…只好to walk走to return回去.
- to have to必须 states a requirement: you你to have to必须band带passport护照. have no choice or option…不得不 stresses being forced by the situation.
you你must必须bring带your passport护照。
Recap
- have no choice or option…不得不 + Verb = have no choice but to, forced by circumstances.
- It means "must", never "mustn't" (cannot不能). to have no other option but…只好 = resigned; to have to必须 = a requirement.
Practise this pattern step by step.
finally到底 (on earth / after all)
Are you coming or not?
- Your friend has changed his answer three times about tonight's dinner.
- you你finally到底to come来not不to come来？ — "Are you coming or not, for goodness' sake?"
finally到底 in questions = on earth
- finally到底 adds impatience or insistence to a question: "on earth, exactly".
- It goes before the question part: finally到底to go去where哪儿？ finally到底to be / is是who谁？ finally到底how / why怎么(completed / change)了？
you你on earth到底want想say说what什么？
Question words and A-not-A, not (yes/no ?)吗
- this这finally到底to be / is是what's the matter?怎么回事？ — "What on earth is going on?"
- he / him他finally到底to agree同意not不to agree同意？ — "Does he agree or not?" finally到底 needs a question word or an A-not-A form.
this这on earth到底is是how怎么matter回事？
No (yes/no ?)吗 with finally到底
- Do not combine finally到底 with (yes/no ?)吗: you你finally到底去不去？, not you你finally到底to go去(yes/no ?)吗？
- Put finally到底 before the question part, after the subject: you你finally到底at / in在where哪儿？
finally到底 in statements: after all, in the end
- he / him他finally到底to be / is是(measure word)个child孩子，别太to get angry生气。 — "He is, after all, just a child; don't be too angry."
- we / us我们to wait for等(completed / change)了degree / adjective linker很(long) time久，he / him他finally到底or / still还是to come来(completed / change)了。 — "We waited a long time, and in the end he did come."
he他after all到底is是a个child孩子。
Recap
- finally到底 + question (QW or A-not-A) = on earth / exactly; never with (yes/no ?)吗.
- In statements: finally到底to be / is是… = after all; finally到底or / still还是 = in the end.
Practise this pattern step by step.
to go to the bottom of a…究竟 (exactly / on earth)
The question everyone asks
- A news report on a mysterious light in the sky ends with one question.
- that那to go to the bottom of a…究竟to be / is是what什么？ — "What exactly was it?"
to go to the bottom of a…究竟 = exactly, on earth (more formal)
- to go to the bottom of a…究竟 works like finally到底 in questions, but sounds more serious and written.
- It needs a question word or A-not-A: to go to the bottom of a…究竟why?为什么？ to go to the bottom of a…究竟去不去？
the problem问题exactly究竟lies在where哪儿？
In reports and discussions
- accident事故(modifier / structural particle)的cause原因to go to the bottom of a…究竟to be / is是what什么？ — "What exactly caused the accident?"
- we / us我们to go to the bottom of a…究竟should应该how / why怎么to make做？ — "What exactly should we do?"
the accident's事故的cause原因exactly究竟is是what什么？
Same rules as finally到底
- No (yes/no ?)吗: you你to go to the bottom of a…究竟to agree同意not不to agree同意？, not you你to go to the bottom of a…究竟to agree同意(yes/no ?)吗？
- Put to go to the bottom of a…究竟 after the topic and before the question part: cause原因to go to the bottom of a…究竟to be / is是what什么？
to go to the bottom of a…究竟 versus finally到底
- In questions they are interchangeable; to go to the bottom of a…究竟 is more formal and calmer.
- finally到底 has extra uses in statements (finally到底or / still还是to come来(completed / change)了 — "in the end he came"); to go to the bottom of a…究竟 rarely does.
he他in the end到底still还是come来了。
Recap
- to go to the bottom of a…究竟 + question = exactly / on earth, more formal than finally到底.
- It needs a question word or A-not-A, never (yes/no ?)吗; finally到底 also works in statements.
Practise this pattern step by step.
just now刚 + Verb (just did)
Just landed
- Your mum calls as you walk out of the arrivals hall.
- 我刚down下airplane飞机，a moment一会儿to / for / give给you你to make a telephone call打电话。 — "I've just got off the plane; I'll call you in a bit."
just now刚 + Verb = have just done
- just now刚 + Verb = something happened a short time ago: 刚到, just now刚variant of 吃吃to finish完, just now刚to get out of bed起床.
- It sits right before the verb; the sentence usually has no (completed / change)了: 我刚to / arrive到.
I我just刚get up起床。
just now刚 + Verb + duration: only recently
- he / him他just now刚to come来Beijing, capital of the…北京两个moon月。 — "He's only been in Beijing for two months."
- "Recent" depends on the speaker: two months can be just now刚 for a new arrival.
he他just刚come来Beijing北京two months两个月。
Position and (completed / change)了
- just now刚 never starts the sentence: 我刚to / arrive到, not just now刚I / me我to / arrive到. (just now (variant of 刚才)刚才 can start it.)
- A just now刚 sentence usually needs no (completed / change)了: he / him他just now刚to walk走 already says it has happened.
just now刚…then / just就…: as soon as
- 我刚to / arrive到home家，then / just就to rain下雨(completed / change)了。 — "I'd only just got home when it started to rain."
- The second event follows immediately after the first.
I我just刚arrive到home家，then就rain下雨了。
Recap
- just now刚 + Verb = have just; just now刚 + Verb + duration = only recently. Aspectual (completed / change)了 is possible when the sentence needs it.
- just now刚…then / just就… = no sooner … than. just now刚 never starts the sentence.
Practise this pattern step by step.
one / a一 + MW + one / a一 + MW (one by one)
Step by step
- Your coach tells you not to rush learning a new dance.
- 别着急，一步一步地学。 — "Don't rush; learn it step by step."
one / a一 + MW + one / a一 + MW ((adverb -ly)地) + Verb
- 一个一个, 一天一天, 一步一步 = one by one, day by day, step by step.
- Before a verb it often takes (adverb -ly)地: 一个一个(adverb -ly)地inspection检查 — "check them one by one".
please请one一个by one一个地come in进来。
Gradual change
- child孩子一天一天(adverb -ly)地to grow up长大(completed / change)了。 — "The child grew up day by day."
- question问题want / will / need要一个一个(adverb -ly)地to solve解决。 — "The problems have to be solved one at a time."
the child孩子day一天by day一天地grow up长大了。
Same measure word twice
- Use the same measure word in both halves: 一本一本, not 一本一个.
- Put the phrase before the verb: 一个一个地问, not to ask问一个一个.
Describing a scene
- Before a noun, it can describe many items in a row: 一座一座(modifier / structural particle)的high building高楼 — "tall building after tall building".
- Then it takes (modifier / structural particle)的, not (adverb -ly)地.
by the road路边are是one一座after another一座的tall buildings高楼。
Recap
- one / a一 + MW + one / a一 + MW + (adverb -ly)地 + Verb = one by one, step by step.
- Same MW twice; before a verb take (adverb -ly)地, before a noun take (modifier / structural particle)的.
Practise this pattern step by step.
original本来 (originally / at first)
Change of plan
- You were going to spend the holiday in Yunnan, but then your cousin invited you to Hainan.
- I / me我original本来want / think / miss想to go去Yunnan province in…云南，afterwards后来to go去(completed / change)了Hainan Province, in the…海南。 — "I originally wanted to go to Yunnan, but in the end I went to Hainan."
original本来 = originally, at first
- original本来 describes the original plan or situation, usually before something changed.
- It goes after the subject (or at the start): he / him他original本来to be / is是doctor医生，afterwards后来at or in the very same...当(completed / change)了author作家.
he他originally本来was是a doctor医生，later后来became当了a writer作家。
Plans that changed
- I / me我original本来unexpectedly不想to come来，but可是friend朋友definitely一定want / will / need要I / me我to come来。 — "I didn't really want to come, but my friend insisted."
- original本来 often pairs with afterwards后来, but可是 or but但是 to show the change.
I我originally本来not不want to想come来。
The second meaning: of course
- original本来then / just就 = "should have been obvious, naturally": student学生original本来then / just就should应该to learn学习 — "Students are, of course, supposed to study."
- This original本来 has no change of plan; it means the thing was always true.
original本来 versus original原来
- Both can mean "originally": original本来 / original原来(modifier / structural particle)的plan计划.
- Only original原来 announces a discovery: original原来to be / is是you你！ — "Oh, it's you!" original本来 cannot do this.
so it turns out原来it's是you你！
Recap
- original本来 = originally, before a change (often with afterwards后来 / but可是).
- original本来then / just就 = naturally, of course. Only original原来 can mean "so it turns out".
Practise this pattern step by step.
then / just就 (only / just — small quantity)
Just ten yuan
- Your friend asks to borrow money for lunch, but your wallet is almost empty.
- I / me我then / just就to have / there is有十块钱。 — "I've only got ten yuan." Here then / just就 means "only, just".
then / just就 + number / noun = only
- then / just就 + amount = "only that much": then / just就十块钱, then / just就两个person人, then / just就first一次.
- then / just就 + person = "only (that person)": then / just就he / him他一个人来(completed / change)了 — "Only he came."
only就he他alone一个人came来了。
Spoken "only"
- I / me我then / just就去过first一次。 — "I've only been once."
- then / just就so much这么many多(completed / change)了？ — "Is that all?" then / just就 often sounds casual and immediate.
I我only就go去(experience)过once一次。
Which then / just就?
- Before a number or a person, then / just就 means "only". Between a time/condition and a verb it means "then / as early as": 六点then / just就to get out of bed起床(completed / change)了.
- Stress helps in speech: then / just就 is said with emphasis when it means "only".
then / just就 versus only只 and only then / not until才
- only只 is the neutral "only": I / me我only have ...只有十块钱.
- only then / not until才 + number = only, with surprise that it is so little: he / him他only then / not until才十岁. then / just就 is casual and matter-of-fact.
I我only只have有ten十yuan块money钱。
Recap
- then / just就 + number / person = only, just (casual): then / just就十块, then / just就he / him他一个person人.
- only只 = neutral only; only then / not until才 = surprisingly few. Time + then / just就 + verb is a different then / just就 (early).
Practise this pattern step by step.
ten million千万 (be sure to / whatever you do)
Before you leave
- Your friend is flying abroad tomorrow, and you remember how forgetful she is.
- you你ten million千万别忘了band带passport护照！ — "Whatever you do, don't forget your passport!"
ten million千万 + don't别 / don't不要 / want / will / need要
- ten million千万 + don't别 / don't不要 = "whatever you do, don't …": a strong warning.
- ten million千万want / will / need要 = "be sure to": ten million千万want / will / need要to be careful小心.
whatever you do千万be sure to要be careful小心！
Advice to someone else
- 这件matter事ten million千万don't不要to tell告诉other people别人。 — "Whatever you do, don't tell anyone about this."
- on the road路上ten million千万注意安全。 — "Do be careful on the road."
this matter这件事whatever you do千万don't不要tell告诉others别人。
Requests, not statements
- Use ten million千万 in advice or requests to someone, not to describe facts: he / him他ten million千万not / haven't没to come来 is wrong.
- ten million千万 goes before don't别 / don't不要 / want / will / need要, after the subject if there is one: you你千万别….
ten million千万 versus definitely一定
- definitely一定want / will / need要 = must, definitely: you你definitely一定want / will / need要to come来 — "You must come."
- ten million千万 is more urgent and mostly warns against something going wrong.
you你definitely一定must要come来。
Recap
- 千万别 / ten million千万don't不要 = whatever you do, don't; ten million千万want / will / need要 = be sure to.
- For requests and advice only; definitely一定want / will / need要 = must.
Practise this pattern step by step.
fear恐怕 (I'm afraid / probably)
Running late
- You are stuck in traffic and the train leaves in ten minutes.
- fear恐怕there's not enough time (to…来不及(completed / change)了。 — "I'm afraid we won't make it."
fear恐怕 + guess = I'm afraid, probably
- fear恐怕 introduces a guess, usually about something unwelcome: "I'm afraid …, probably …".
- It can start the sentence or follow the subject: fear恐怕he / him他improbable不会to come来(completed / change)了 / he / him他fear恐怕improbable不会to come来(completed / change)了.
he他I'm afraid恐怕won't不会come来了。
Softening bad news
- 这件matter事fear恐怕slightly有点儿difficult / hard难。 — "I'm afraid this may be a bit difficult."
- tomorrow明天fear恐怕want / will / need要to rain下雨。 — "It'll probably rain tomorrow, I'm afraid."
tomorrow明天probably恐怕will要rain下雨。
A guess, not fear
- fear恐怕 is a cautious prediction, not "be scared of": "I'm scared of dogs" is 我怕dog狗, not I / me我fear恐怕dog狗.
- It usually goes with unwelcome news; for a neutral guess, maybe / possible可能 is better: he / him他maybe / possible可能to be at home在家.
fear恐怕 versus maybe / possible可能
- maybe / possible可能 = maybe, neutral: he / him他maybe / possible可能to come来, also也maybe / possible可能not不to come来.
- fear恐怕 = probably, with regret: he / him他fear恐怕to come来(as a resultative verb…不了(completed / change)了 — "I'm afraid he can't come."
he他maybe可能be at在home家。
Recap
- fear恐怕 + guess = I'm afraid / probably, softening bad news.
- Not "be afraid of" (to be afraid怕); neutral guesses use maybe / possible可能.
Practise this pattern step by step.
unexpectedly竟然 (actually / unexpectedly)
He actually did it
- Your quiet classmate, who never speaks in class, won the speech contest.
- he / him他unexpectedly竟然(degree marker)得(completed / change)了第一名！ — "He actually won first place!"
Subject + unexpectedly竟然 + Verb
- unexpectedly竟然 = "unexpectedly, to my surprise": the event goes against what the speaker expected.
- It sits after the subject, before the verb: he / him他unexpectedly竟然to forget忘(completed / change)了, she / her她unexpectedly竟然not / haven't没to come来.
he他actually竟然forget忘了my我的birthday生日。
Good or bad surprises
- Bad: so much这么simple简单(modifier / structural particle)的topic题，I / me我unexpectedly竟然to make an error做错(completed / change)了。 — "I actually got such an easy question wrong."
- Good: 六岁(modifier / structural particle)的child孩子unexpectedly竟然can / will会variant of 说说三种language语言。 — "A six-year-old who can speak three languages!"
such这么easy简单的question题，I我actually竟然got wrong做错了。
Only for surprises
- Use unexpectedly竟然 only when the outcome is unexpected; for a plain fact, leave it out.
- It is an adverb: he / him他unexpectedly竟然to come来(completed / change)了, not unexpectedly竟然他来(completed / change)了 in most speech.
unexpectedly竟然 versus unexpectedly居然 and really果然
- unexpectedly居然 means the same and is common in speech: he / him他unexpectedly居然not / haven't没to come来！
- really果然 is the opposite: "just as expected": weather forecast天气预报variant of 说说to rain下雨，really果然to rain下雨(completed / change)了.
weather天气forecast预报said说rain下雨，sure enough果然it rained下雨了。
Recap
- unexpectedly竟然 / unexpectedly居然 + Verb = unexpectedly, actually (to my surprise).
- really果然 = just as expected, the opposite.
Practise this pattern step by step.
don't tell me ...难道 (rhetorical: don't tell me …?)
You can't be serious
- Your friend asks whether today's class is cancelled. The whole school knows it isn't.
- don't tell me ...难道you你not不to know知道(yes/no ?)吗？ — "Don't tell me you don't know?"
don't tell me ...难道 … ((yes/no ?)吗)？ = rhetorical question
- don't tell me ...难道 … (yes/no ?)吗？ asks a question that expects the opposite answer: "Surely not … ?"
- A negative question expects "yes": don't tell me ...难道you你not不rope累(yes/no ?)吗？ = "Surely you're tired."
surely难道you你not不tired累吗？
Surprise or reproach
- don't tell me ...难道he / him他to forget忘(completed / change)了？ — "Can he really have forgotten?"
- so much这么important重要(modifier / structural particle)的matter事，don't tell me ...难道you你not不should应该先问I / me我(yes/no ?)吗？ — "Shouldn't you have asked me first about something so important?"
can it be难道he他forget忘了？
The answer is built in
- don't tell me ...难道 does not ask for information; the speaker already believes the answer. Use it to challenge, not to ask.
- don't tell me ...难道 sits at the start or after the subject: you你don't tell me ...难道not不to know知道(yes/no ?)吗？ is also correct.
Versus a normal question
- you你to know知道(yes/no ?)吗？ — a real question: "Do you know?"
- don't tell me ...难道you你not不to know知道(yes/no ?)吗？ — "You must know!" (and the speaker is surprised or annoyed).
you你know知道吗？
Recap
- don't tell me ...难道 … (yes/no ?)吗？ = surely not … ? / don't tell me …, a rhetorical challenge.
- A negative don't tell me ...难道 question means the positive: don't tell me ...难道you你not不rope累(yes/no ?)吗 = you must be tired.
Practise this pattern step by step.
early先 … ，again / then再 … (first …, then …)
A three-step plan
- You are explaining to a new colleague how to set up their work account.
- you你early先to fill or stuff填this这张表，again / then再to go去personnel office人事部，then / after然后neck领computer电脑。 — "First fill in this form, then go to HR, and after that collect your computer."
early先 A，again / then再 B (，then / after然后 C)
- early先…again / then再… orders steps that are still to come: plans, instructions, suggestions.
- Add then / after然后 or final最后 for longer sequences: early先…again / then再…then / after然后…final最后….
we我们first先have a look看看，then再decide决定。
early先…to say again再说: deal with it later
- early先to have a meal吃饭，else别的matter事after以后to say again再说。 — "Let's eat first; we can talk about the rest later."
- to say again再说 here postpones a decision until the first step is done.
first先eat吃饭，other别的things事later以后deal with再说。
Future steps only
- For a past sequence, use early先…then / after然后… with (completed / change)了: I / me我early先to go去(completed / change)了bank银行，then / after然后to go去(completed / change)了supermarket (abbr. for 超级市场)超市.
- early先 and again / then再 are adverbs: each comes after the subject, before its verb: I / me我early先to walk走，you你again / then再to walk走.
again / then再 = only then
- again / then再 can mean "not until (the first step is done)": to wait for等(literary) to rain雨to stop停(completed / change)了again / then再to walk走。 — "Wait until the rain stops before you leave."
- to wait for等…again / then再… is a very common pattern for "wait until … then …".
wait until等the rain雨stop停了then再leave走。
Recap
- early先 A，again / then再 B = first A, then B, for future steps; extend with then / after然后 / final最后.
- early先…to say again再说 = deal with it later; to wait for等…again / then再… = wait until … then. Past sequences use early先…then / after然后… + (completed / change)了.
Practise this pattern step by step.
also也all / both都 (also all of them)
They came too
- Your class went to the museum; you find out the class next door all went as well.
- they他们also也all / both都to go去(completed / change)了museum博物馆。 — "They all went to the museum too."
Subject + also也 + all / both都 + Verb
- also也all / both都 = "also all": also也 adds this group to another, all / both都 says every member of the group did it.
- The order is fixed: also也 before all / both都.
we我们also也all都are是students学生。
Adding another group
- I / me我(modifier / structural particle)的friend朋友to like喜欢this这首歌，I / me我(modifier / structural particle)的father and mother父母also也all / both都to like喜欢。 — "My friends like this song, and my parents both like it too."
- With negatives: they他们also也all / both都not不to know知道。 — "They don't know either (none of them)."
they他们also也all都not不know知道。
also也 first, then all / both都
- Say also也all / both都, never all / both都also也: we / us我们also也all / both都to go去, not we / us我们all / both都also也to go去.
- Both adverbs come after the subject and before the verb or not不 / not / haven't没.
also也, all / both都 and also也all / both都
- we / us我们all / both都to go去 = all of us are going. we / us我们also也to go去 = we are going too.
- we / us我们also也all / both都to go去。 = we are all going too: another group, and every one of us.
we我们also也all都go去。
Recap
- also也all / both都 + Verb = also all (another group, every member).
- Order: also也 before all / both都, both before the verb or negative.
Practise this pattern step by step.
Practice without the models
about the same差不多 (almost / about the same)
0201.1 Complete: “It's almost twelve o'clock.” …………十二点(completed / change)了。
0201.2 Which says “I almost missed the train (but caught it)”?
- A. I / me我with / and跟train火车about the same差不多。
- B. I / me我to keep up with赶上train火车about the same差不多。
- C. I / me我about the same差不多not / haven't没to keep up with赶上train火车。
- D. I / me我erhua variant of 差点差点儿not / haven't没to keep up with赶上train火车。
0201.3 Match each sentence to its meaning.
0201.4 Build: “I'm about as tall as my older brother.”
Arrange all chunks: I / me我older brother哥哥 / about the same差不多 / I / me我with / and跟 / high高。
0201.5 You compare two phones in a shop. The prices, cameras and sizes are almost identical. 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.
apparently看来 (it seems / in one's view)
0202.1 The restaurant is empty at seven: “It looks like the food here isn't very good.” …………here这儿(modifier / structural particle)的vegetable菜not不too太to be fond of eating好吃。
0202.2 Which says “She looks very young”?
- A. she / her她seemingly看起来degree / adjective linker很young年轻。
- B. at / in在she / her她apparently看来degree / adjective linker很young年轻。
- C. apparently看来she / her她degree / adjective linker很young年轻。
- D. she / her她degree / adjective linker很young年轻apparently看来。
0202.3 Build: “In my view, this approach isn't very good.”
Arrange all chunks: this这个means办法 / in my opinion在我看来 / ， / not so good不太好。
0202.4 apparently看来 usually comes after the conclusion it introduces.
True or false? Explain or repair the statement.
0202.5 The sky turns grey and the wind picks up while you are hiking. 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.
just (in time)正好 (just right / exactly)
0203.1 Complete: “I happen to have an umbrella; let's share it.” I / me我…………band带(completed / change)了damask silk伞，in the same place一起to use / with用(suggestion)吧。
0203.2 What does altogether一共just (in time)正好五十块 mean?
- A. nearly fifty yuan
- B. about fifty yuan altogether
- C. exactly fifty yuan altogether
- D. more than fifty yuan
0203.3 Build: “You've come at just the right moment.”
Arrange all chunks: just (in time)正好。 / to emerge (from a…来得 / you你
0203.4 just (in time)正好 and in the middle of正在 both mean “in the middle of doing”.
True or false? Explain or repair the statement.
0203.5 You are about to phone your friend when your phone rings – it's her. 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.
to have no other option but…只好 (have no choice but to)
0204.1 Complete: “The lift is broken, so we have to take the stairs.” elevator电梯bad坏(completed / change)了，we / us我们…………to walk走stair楼梯。
0204.2 Which sentence is natural?
- A. I / me我tomorrow明天again / then再to come来to have no other option but…只好。
- B. store商店to close a door关门(completed / change)了，to have no other option but…只好I / me我again / then再to come来tomorrow明天。
- C. to have no other option but…只好I / me我tomorrow明天again / then再to come来。
- D. store商店to close a door关门(completed / change)了，I / me我to have no other option but…只好tomorrow明天again / then再to come来。
0204.3 Build: “He can't cook, so he has to eat instant noodles.”
Arrange all chunks: ， / to have no other option but…只好 / he / him他improbable不会to prepare a meal做饭 / variant of 吃吃instant noodles方便面。
0204.4 have no choice or option…不得不 sounds stronger than to have no other option but…只好.
True or false? Explain or repair the statement.
0204.5 You leave a party at midnight and the last bus left ten minutes ago. Taxis are all taken. 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.
again又 + not不 / not / haven't没 (emphatic negation)
0205.1 What does again又 add in I / me我again又no不是child小孩子！?
- A. emphasis rejecting an assumption
- B. a time in the past
- C. again
- D. both … and
0205.2 Complete: “Don't blame her – it's not like she was late.” 别怪she / her她，she / her她…………not / haven't没to arrive late迟到。
0205.3 Build: “He's not going to eat you.”
Arrange all chunks: again又 / variant of 吃吃(completed / change)了you你。 / improbable不会 / he / him他
0205.4 variant of 并并not不 is calmer and more written than again又not不.
True or false? Explain or repair the statement.
0205.5 Your roommate asks you, again, to wash his dishes. 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.
used in 可汗可 + Adj (emphatic)
0206.1 Complete: “That restaurant is really expensive!” that那home家restaurant饭馆…………expensive贵(completed / change)了！
0206.2 What does you你used in 可汗可don't别to arrive late迟到！ mean?
- A. You can't be late.
- B. Whatever you do, don't be late!
- C. You may be late.
- D. You were late again.
0206.3 Build: “This film is really interesting.”
Arrange all chunks: this这个movie电影 / (completed / change)了。 / used in 可汗可 / interesting有意思
0206.4 In I / me我want / think / miss想to go去，used in 可汗可not / haven't没(concept of) time时间, used in 可汗可 means “but”.
True or false? Explain or repair the statement.
0206.5 A friend from the south asks whether Harbin in winter is really as cold as people say. 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.
original原来 (so it turns out / all along)
0207.1 You hear a knock and open the door: “Oh, it's you!” …………to be / is是you你！
0207.2 In original原来(modifier / structural particle)的plan计划to be / is是Monday星期一to set off出发, what does original原来 mean?
- A. original
- B. so it turns out
- C. no wonder
- D. suddenly
0207.3 Build: “So it snowed – no wonder it's so cold.”
Arrange all chunks: original原来to snow下雪(completed / change)了 / (it's) no wonder (that...)难怪 / ， / so much这么cold冷。
0207.4 I / me我to think (i.e. to take it…以为he / him他to be / is是teacher老师，original原来he / him他to be / is是student学生 means he turned out to be a student.
True or false? Explain or repair the statement.
0207.5 Your colleague hasn't touched his lunch all week. Today you find out he has a toothache. 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.
almost差点 (almost / nearly)
0208.1 Complete: “I nearly forgot your birthday!” I / me我…………to forget忘(completed / change)了you你(modifier / structural particle)的birthday生日！
0208.2 What does he / him他erhua variant of 差点差点儿没考上university大学 mean?
- A. He didn't try.
- B. He nearly passed but failed.
- C. He nearly failed but got in.
- D. He passed easily.
0208.3 I / me我erhua variant of 差点差点儿to fall down摔倒 and I / me我erhua variant of 差点差点儿not / haven't没to fall down摔倒 mean the same.
True or false? Explain or repair the statement.
0208.4 Build: “I nearly missed the train.”
Arrange all chunks: I / me我 / erhua variant of 差点差点儿 / train火车。 / not / haven't没to keep up with赶上
0208.5 You slipped on the ice outside your building but grabbed the railing just in time. 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.
always从来 + not不 / not / haven't没 (never)
0209.1 Complete: “I've never eaten durian.” I / me我always从来not / haven't没variant of 吃吃…………durian fruit榴莲。
0209.2 Which says “She never eats meat” (a personal rule)?
- A. she / her她always从来没吃肉(completed / change)了。
- B. she / her她always从来没吃过meat肉。
- C. she / her她never从来不variant of 吃吃meat肉。
- D. she / her她not不always从来variant of 吃吃meat肉。
0209.3 Build: “He never drinks alcohol.”
Arrange all chunks: not不to shout喝 / he / him他 / always从来 / wine (esp. rice wine)酒。
0209.4 always从来 is the usual word for “always” in positive sentences.
True or false? Explain or repair the statement.
0209.5 Your grandfather is eighty and proud of one thing about his health. 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.
outcome结果 (as a result / in the end)
0210.1 Complete: “I didn't bring an umbrella, and in the end I got soaked.” I / me我没带damask silk伞，…………(passive: by)被雨淋moist湿(completed / change)了。
0210.2 In competition (sports etc)比赛(modifier / structural particle)的outcome结果to be / is是two二than / compared to比one / a一, what is outcome结果?
- A. a noun meaning “result”
- B. an adverb meaning “finally”
- C. a verb meaning “finish”
- D. a conjunction meaning “so”
0210.3 Build: “He went to bed late, and as a result he was late today.”
Arrange all chunks: he / him他to sleep睡(degree marker)得degree / adjective linker很evening晚 / outcome结果 / today今天to arrive late迟到(completed / change)了。 / ，
0210.4 outcome结果 is used for a result that has actually happened.
True or false? Explain or repair the statement.
0210.5 You prepared sandwiches all morning for a picnic. At noon it started to pour. 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.
enough (sufficient)够 (enough / sufficient)
0211.1 Complete: “Is there enough money?” coin钱…………not enough不够？
0211.2 Which says “This water isn't enough to drink”?
- A. these这些water水not enough不够to shout喝。
- B. these这些water水not不喝够。
- C. these这些水喝not enough不够。
- D. these这些水够not不to shout喝。
0211.3 Build: “The money is enough to buy one ticket.”
Arrange all chunks: coin钱 / to buy买一张ticket票。 / enough (sufficient)够
0211.4 enough足够 is more formal than enough (sufficient)够.
True or false? Explain or repair the statement.
0211.5 You invited eight friends, but only cooked for four. 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.
even甚至 (even / to the point that)
0212.1 Complete: “He works so hard he even works at weekends.” he / him他to work工作degree / adjective linker很to make an effort努力，…………weekend周末also也to work工作。
0212.2 Where does even甚至 fit best? A this这个area地方 B summer夏天to warm up热，C spring (season)春天also也to warm up热，D winter冬天also也not不cold冷。
0212.3 Build: “He even wrote his own name wrong.”
Arrange all chunks: 写错(completed / change)了。 / all / both都 / to link连oneself自己(modifier / structural particle)的name (of a person or thing)名字 / he / him他even甚至
0212.4 even甚至 can join two clauses, as in he / him他not不to speak说话，even甚至不看I / me我.
True or false? Explain or repair the statement.
0212.5 Your sister has started a new job and works from morning till night. 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.
or / still还是 + Verb (had better)
0213.1 Suggest: “It's raining; we'd better stay home.” to rain下雨(completed / change)了，we / us我们…………to be at home在家(suggestion)吧。
0213.2 In which sentence does or / still还是 mean “had better”?
- A. we / us我们or / still还是to take a taxi (in town)打车(suggestion)吧。
- B. you你to go去or / still还是不去？
- C. he / him他to be / is是teacher老师or / still还是student学生？
- D. you你to drink tea喝茶or / still还是coffee (loanword)咖啡？
0213.3 Build: “I thought it over, and I'm not going after all.”
Arrange all chunks: I / me我or / still还是 / 不去(completed / change)了。 / want / think / miss想(completed / change)了want / think / miss想 / ，
0213.4 or / still还是 here suggests the speaker considered other options.
True or false? Explain or repair the statement.
0213.5 You are about to drive to the airport, but the radio says the motorway is blocked. 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.
best最好 (had best / it's best to)
0214.1 Advise: “You'd best bring a coat.” you你…………band带一件coat外套。
0214.2 Which says “You'd better not drive tonight”?
- A. you你not不best最好tonight今晚to drive a car开车。
- B. you你tonight今晚best最好don't别to drive a car开车。
- C. you你best最好don't别tonight今晚to drive a car开车。
- D. you你tonight今晚to drive a car开车best最好don't别。
0214.3 Build: “It's best to book in advance.”
Arrange all chunks: to book tickets订票。 / to shift to an earlier date提前 / best最好
0214.4 In he / him他to be / is是I / me我best最好(modifier / structural particle)的friend朋友, best最好 means “had better”.
True or false? Explain or repair the statement.
0214.5 You have a bad cold and ask the doctor what to do. 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.
have no choice or option…不得不 (have no choice but to)
0215.1 Complete: “The shop closed, so we had to find another one.” store商店to close a door关门(completed / change)了，we / us我们…………to go去to try to find找else别的inn店。
0215.2 What does I / me我have no choice or option…不得不to walk走(completed / change)了 mean?
- A. I can't leave.
- B. I have to leave now.
- C. I don't want to leave.
- D. I mustn't leave.
0215.3 Build: “Because he had no money, he had to sell his car.”
Arrange all chunks: to sell off卖掉(completed / change)了war chariot (archaic)车。 / have no choice or option…不得不 / ，he / him他 / because因为not / haven't没coin钱
0215.4 have no choice or option…不得不 can mean “must not”.
True or false? Explain or repair the statement.
0215.5 Your friend has a high fever on the morning of an important 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.
finally到底 (on earth / after all)
0216.1 Complete: “What on earth happened?” …………to happen发生(completed / change)了what什么？
0216.2 Which question is correct?
- A. finally到底you你to like喜欢she / her她(yes/no ?)吗？
- B. you你finally到底to like喜欢not不to like喜欢she / her她？
- C. you你finally到底to like喜欢she / her她(yes/no ?)吗？
- D. you你to like喜欢she / her她finally到底(yes/no ?)吗？
0216.3 Build: “What on earth is going on?”
Arrange all chunks: (old) to report to one's…回事？ / finally到底 / to be / is是how / why怎么 / this这
0216.4 In he / him他finally到底to be / is是(measure word)个child孩子, finally到底 means “after all”.
True or false? Explain or repair the statement.
0216.5 Your friend has changed his answer three times about tonight's dinner. 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.
to go to the bottom of a…究竟 (exactly / on earth)
0217.1 Complete a formal question: “What exactly is the reason?” cause原因…………to be / is是what什么？
0217.2 Which question is correct?
- A. he / him他to go to the bottom of a…究竟to come来(yes/no ?)吗？
- B. he / him他to go to the bottom of a…究竟to come来not不to come来？
- C. 他来to go to the bottom of a…究竟(yes/no ?)吗？
- D. to go to the bottom of a…究竟他来(yes/no ?)吗？
0217.3 Build: “What exactly should we do?”
Arrange all chunks: how / why怎么to make做？ / should应该 / we / us我们 / to go to the bottom of a…究竟
0217.4 to go to the bottom of a…究竟 sounds more formal than finally到底.
True or false? Explain or repair the statement.
0217.5 A news report on a mysterious light in the sky ends with one question. 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.
just now刚 + Verb (just did)
0218.1 Complete: “I've just finished eating.” I / me我…………吃完饭。
0218.2 Which sentence is correct?
- A. he / him他just now刚to walk走(completed / change)了(completed / change)了。
- B. just now刚he / him他to walk走。
- C. he / him他just now刚to walk走。
- D. he / him他to walk走just now刚。
0218.3 Build: “I'd only just got home when it started to rain.”
Arrange all chunks: ，then / just就 / 我刚 / perfect到家 / to rain下雨(completed / change)了。
0218.4 he / him他just now刚to come来Beijing, capital of the…北京两个moon月 means he has only been in Beijing for two months.
True or false? Explain or repair the statement.
0218.5 Your mum calls as you walk out of the arrivals hall. 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 / a一 + MW + one / a一 + MW (one by one)
0219.1 Complete: “Please come in one by one.” to ask请一个…………(adverb -ly)地to come in进来。
0219.2 Which phrase is correct?
- A. one / a一local本地一本to see看
- B. 一本one / a一local本地to see看
- C. to see看一本一本
- D. 一本一个地看
0219.3 Build: “The problems have to be solved one at a time.”
Arrange all chunks: question问题 / 一个一个(adverb -ly)地 / want / will / need要 / to solve解决。
0219.4 一座一座(modifier / structural particle)的high building高楼 uses (modifier / structural particle)的 because it comes before a noun.
True or false? Explain or repair the statement.
0219.5 Your coach tells you not to rush learning a new dance. 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.
original本来 (originally / at first)
0220.1 Complete: “I originally planned to leave on Monday.” I / me我…………to plan打算Monday星期一to walk走。
0220.2 You open the door and find your old friend. Which fits? “____to be / is是you你！”
- A. original本来
- B. original原来
- C. afterwards后来
- D. always从来
0220.3 Build: “I didn't really want to come, but my friend insisted.”
Arrange all chunks: unexpectedly不想to come来 / I / me我original本来 / ，but可是 / friend朋友definitely一定want / will / need要I / me我to come来。
0220.4 In student学生original本来then / just就should应该to learn学习, original本来then / just就 means “of course, naturally”.
True or false? Explain or repair the statement.
0220.5 You were going to spend the holiday in Yunnan, but then your cousin invited you to Hainan. 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.
then / just就 (only / just – small quantity)
0221.1 Complete: “Only two people came.” …………两个人来(completed / change)了。
0221.2 In he / him他六点then / just就to get out of bed起床(completed / change)了, what does then / just就 mean?
- A. also
- B. only
- C. as early as
- D. not until
0221.3 Build: “I've only been once.”
Arrange all chunks: first一次。 / I / me我 / 去过 / then / just就
0221.4 he / him他only then / not until才十岁 sounds more surprised than he / him他then / just就十岁.
True or false? Explain or repair the statement.
0221.5 Your friend asks to borrow money for lunch, but your wallet is almost empty. 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.
ten million千万 (be sure to / whatever you do)
0222.1 Warn: “Whatever you do, don't be late!” you你…………don't别to arrive late迟到！
0222.2 Which sentence is correct?
- A. he / him他yesterday昨天ten million千万not / haven't没to come来。
- B. ten million千万你别to go去。
- C. 你别ten million千万to go去。
- D. you你ten million千万want / will / need要to take note of注意the body身体。
0222.3 Build: “Whatever you do, don't tell anyone about this.”
Arrange all chunks: to tell告诉other people别人。 / 这件matter事 / don't不要 / ten million千万
0222.4 ten million千万 is mainly used to warn against something going wrong.
True or false? Explain or repair the statement.
0222.5 Your friend is flying abroad tomorrow, and you remember how forgetful she is. 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.
fear恐怕 (I'm afraid / probably)
0223.1 Soften the news: “I'm afraid the tickets are sold out.” …………ticket票already已经to be sold out卖完(completed / change)了。
0223.2 Which says “My little sister is scared of the dark”?
- A. fear恐怕younger sister妹妹black黑。
- B. younger sister妹妹fear恐怕black黑(completed / change)了。
- C. younger sister妹妹怕黑。
- D. younger sister妹妹fear恐怕black黑。
0223.3 Build: “It'll probably rain tomorrow, I'm afraid.”
Arrange all chunks: want / will / need要 / tomorrow明天 / to rain下雨。 / fear恐怕
0223.4 fear恐怕 usually goes with welcome news.
True or false? Explain or repair the statement.
0223.5 You are stuck in traffic and the train leaves in ten minutes. 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.
unexpectedly竟然 (actually / unexpectedly)
0224.1 Complete: “She actually didn't come!” she / her她…………not / haven't没to come来！
0224.2 The forecast said it would snow, and it did. Which word fits? weather forecast天气预报variant of 说说to snow下雪，____to snow下雪(completed / change)了。
- A. suddenly突然
- B. unexpectedly居然
- C. really果然
- D. unexpectedly竟然
0224.3 Build: “I actually got such an easy question wrong.”
Arrange all chunks: to make an error做错(completed / change)了。 / ，I / me我 / so much这么simple简单(modifier / structural particle)的topic题 / unexpectedly竟然
0224.4 unexpectedly竟然 can introduce a good surprise as well as a bad one.
True or false? Explain or repair the statement.
0224.5 Your quiet classmate, who never speaks in class, won the speech contest. 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.
don't tell me ...难道 (rhetorical: don't tell me …?)
0225.1 Challenge: “Don't tell me you've never heard of him?” …………you你没听说过he / him他(yes/no ?)吗？
0225.2 What does don't tell me ...难道you你not不to be hungry饿(yes/no ?)吗？ suggest?
- A. The speaker is hungry.
- B. The speaker thinks you must be hungry.
- C. The speaker thinks you are not hungry.
- D. The speaker is asking for information.
0225.3 Build: “Can he really have forgotten?”
Arrange all chunks: he / him他 / to forget忘(completed / change)了？ / don't tell me ...难道
0225.4 don't tell me ...难道 is used to ask for information you don't have.
True or false? Explain or repair the statement.
0225.5 Your friend asks whether today's class is cancelled. The whole school knows it isn't. 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.
early先 … ，again / then再 … (first …, then …)
0226.1 Complete: “Let's have a look first, then decide.” we / us我们early先to take a look at看看，…………to decide (to do something)决定。
0226.2 Which says “Wait until the rain stops before you leave”?
- A. again / then再to wait for等(literary) to rain雨to stop停(completed / change)了to walk走。
- B. to wait for等(literary) to rain雨to stop停(completed / change)了again又to walk走。
- C. 雨停(completed / change)了to wait for等again / then再to walk走。
- D. to wait for等(literary) to rain雨to stop停(completed / change)了again / then再to walk走。
0226.3 Build: “Let's eat first; we can talk about the rest later.”
Arrange all chunks: after以后to say again再说。 / else别的matter事 / early先to have a meal吃饭 / ，
0226.4 early先…again / then再… is the usual way to describe what you did yesterday.
True or false? Explain or repair the statement.
0226.5 You are explaining to a new colleague how to set up their work account. 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.
also也all / both都 (also all of them)
0227.1 Complete: “We are all teachers too.” we / us我们…………all / both都to be / is是teacher老师。
0227.2 Which sentence is correct?
- A. they他们to like喜欢also也all / both都to sing a song唱歌。
- B. they他们also也all / both都to like喜欢to sing a song唱歌。
- C. also也they他们all / both都to like喜欢to sing a song唱歌。
- D. they他们all / both都also也to like喜欢to sing a song唱歌。
0227.3 Build: “They don't know either (none of them).”
Arrange all chunks: not不 / also也all / both都 / to know知道。 / they他们
0227.4 all / both都also也 and also也all / both都 are both correct.
True or false? Explain or repair the statement.
0227.5 Your class went to the museum; you find out the class next door all went as well. 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.
Answers and explanations
about the same差不多 (almost / about the same)
0201.1 about the same差不多
about the same差不多 + time = almost.
0201.2 D. I / me我erhua variant of 差点差点儿not / haven't没to keep up with赶上train火车。
Something that nearly happened takes erhua variant of 差点差点儿.
0201.3 1–A: this这两件clothes衣服about the same差不多。 = The two items are about the same.; 2–C: about the same差不多八点(completed / change)了。 = It's almost eight.; 3–B: about the same差不多就行了。 = That's good enough.
The position of about the same差不多 decides its meaning.
0201.4 I / me我with / and跟I / me我older brother哥哥about the same差不多high高。
A with / and跟 B about the same差不多 + Adj.
0201.5 One possible response: this这两个cell phone手机about the same差不多。
Check meaning and form:
- My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
- I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
- Before a number or verb phrase it means "almost": about the same差不多三点. After the things compared it means "similar": price价格about the same差不多.
- It does not mean "nearly happened (but didn't)"; that is erhua variant of 差点差点儿: I / me我erhua variant of 差点差点儿to arrive late迟到.
- I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.
This is supported productive practice. Compare meaning and structure; your answer need not copy the model. A partner or teacher must hear the spoken response to comment on pronunciation.
apparently看来 (it seems / in one's view)
0202.1 apparently看来
An empty restaurant is evidence; apparently看来 draws the conclusion.
0202.2 A. she / her她seemingly看起来degree / adjective linker很young年轻。
Appearance takes seemingly看起来; apparently看来 draws a conclusion.
0202.3 in my opinion在我看来，this这个means办法not so good不太好。
at / in在 + person + apparently看来 introduces an opinion.
0202.4 False.
apparently看来 comes before the conclusion.
0202.5 One possible response: apparently看来want / will / need要to rain下雨(completed / change)了，we / us我们to return回去(suggestion)吧。
Check meaning and form:
- My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
- I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
- apparently看来 reasons from evidence; for how something looks, use seemingly看起来: he / him他seemingly看起来很累 – "He looks tired."
- Put apparently看来 before the conclusion, not after it: apparently看来他病(completed / change)了, not 他病(completed / change)了apparently看来.
- I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.
This is supported productive practice. Compare meaning and structure; your answer need not copy the model. A partner or teacher must hear the spoken response to comment on pronunciation.
just (in time)正好 (just right / exactly)
0203.1 just (in time)正好
just (in time)正好 + verb = happen to (a lucky fit).
0203.2 C. exactly fifty yuan altogether
Before a number, just (in time)正好 = exactly.
0203.3 you你to emerge (from a…来得just (in time)正好。
Verb + (degree marker)得 + just (in time)正好.
0203.4 False.
Only in the middle of正在 means that; just (in time)正好 = just right / happen to / exactly.
0203.5 One possible response: you你to emerge (from a…来得just (in time)正好，I / me我正想to / for / give给you你to make a telephone call打电话。
Check meaning and form:
- My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
- I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
- Before a number, just (in time)正好 = exactly: just (in time)正好一百块. For "about", use left and right左右 or about the same差不多: 一百块left and right左右.
- Do not confuse it with in the middle of正在 (in the middle of doing): I / me我in the middle of正在to have a meal吃饭, not I / me我just (in time)正好to have a meal吃饭 for "I'm eating".
- I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.
This is supported productive practice. Compare meaning and structure; your answer need not copy the model. A partner or teacher must hear the spoken response to comment on pronunciation.
to have no other option but…只好 (have no choice but to)
0204.1 to have no other option but…只好
Obstacle, then subject + to have no other option but…只好 + verb.
0204.2 D. store商店to close a door关门(completed / change)了，I / me我to have no other option but…只好tomorrow明天again / then再to come来。
Reason first, then subject + to have no other option but…只好 + verb.
0204.3 he / him他improbable不会to prepare a meal做饭，only只to be fond of eating好吃instant noodles方便面。
Reason + to have no other option but…只好 + verb phrase.
0204.4 True.
have no choice or option…不得不 stresses being forced; to have no other option but…只好 sounds resigned.
0204.5 One possible response: not have / haven't没有war chariot (archaic)车(completed / change)了，we / us我们to have no other option but…只好to walk走to return home回家。
Check meaning and form:
- My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
- I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
- Give the obstacle before to have no other option but…只好; to have no other option but…只好 alone with no reason sounds incomplete.
- Place to have no other option but…只好 after the subject: I / me我to have no other option but…只好to walk走路, not to have no other option but…只好I / me我to walk走路 in most speech.
- I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.
This is supported productive practice. Compare meaning and structure; your answer need not copy the model. A partner or teacher must hear the spoken response to comment on pronunciation.
again又 + not不 / not / haven't没 (emphatic negation)
0205.1 A. emphasis rejecting an assumption
again又 + not不 pushes back: “I'm not a child, you know!”
0205.2 again又
again又 + not / haven't没 for an emphatic denial.
0205.3 he / him他again又improbable不会variant of 吃吃(completed / change)了you你。
Subject + again又 + improbable不会 + verb.
0205.4 True.
again又not不 is emotional speech; variant of 并并not不 states a correction calmly.
0205.5 One possible response: I / me我again又no不是you你(modifier / structural particle)的waiter服务员！
Check meaning and form:
- My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
- I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
- In again又not不 / again又not / haven't没, again又 is not "again"; it adds force to the denial.
- Keep it in speech; in neutral statements, plain not不 / not / haven't没 is enough: he / him他not / haven't没to make做mistake错.
- I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.
This is supported productive practice. Compare meaning and structure; your answer need not copy the model. A partner or teacher must hear the spoken response to comment on pronunciation.
used in 可汗可 + Adj (emphatic)
0206.1 used in 可汗可
used in 可汗可 + Adj + (completed / change)了 for spoken emphasis.
0206.2 B. Whatever you do, don't be late!
used in 可汗可 before don't别 adds urgency: you你used in 可汗可don't别to arrive late迟到！ “Whatever you do, don't be late!” It is a strong warning, not a statement about what is possible.
0206.3 this这个movie电影used in 可汗可interesting有意思(completed / change)了。
used in 可汗可 + Adj + (completed / change)了.
0206.4 True.
At the start of a clause, used in 可汗可 can be short for but可是.
0206.5 One possible response: Harbin, subprovincial city…哈尔滨(modifier / structural particle)的winter冬天可冷(completed / change)了！
Check meaning and form:
- My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
- I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
- Use used in 可汗可…(completed / change)了 in conversation; in writing choose very非常 or very十分.
- used in 可汗可 + Adj usually needs (completed / change)了 or (and …? / softener)呢 at the end: 可冷(completed / change)了, not just 可冷.
- I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.
This is supported productive practice. Compare meaning and structure; your answer need not copy the model. A partner or teacher must hear the spoken response to comment on pronunciation.
original原来 (so it turns out / all along)
0207.1 original原来
original原来 announces a discovery.
0207.2 A. original
original原来 + (modifier / structural particle)的 + noun = the original plan.
0207.3 original原来to snow下雪(completed / change)了，(it's) no wonder (that...)难怪so much这么cold冷。
original原来 + discovery, (it's) no wonder (that...)难怪 + what it explains.
0207.4 True.
to think (i.e. to take it…以为 marks the mistaken belief; original原来 the truth.
0207.5 One possible response: original原来he / him他牙疼，(it's) no wonder (that...)难怪not不to have a meal吃饭。
Check meaning and form:
- My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
- I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
- At the start of a clause, original原来 reveals a discovery: original原来to be / is是this way / so这样！ – "So that's how it is!"
- Before a noun (with (modifier / structural particle)的) or describing the past, it means "original(ly)": original原来(modifier / structural particle)的plan计划 – "the original plan".
- I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.
This is supported productive practice. Compare meaning and structure; your answer need not copy the model. A partner or teacher must hear the spoken response to comment on pronunciation.
almost差点 (almost / nearly)
0208.1 erhua variant of 差点差点儿
erhua variant of 差点差点儿 + verb = it almost happened.
0208.2 C. He nearly failed but got in.
Getting in is wanted, so erhua variant of 差点差点儿not / haven't没 = nearly failed (but succeeded).
0208.3 True.
Falling is unwanted, so both mean “I nearly fell (but didn't)”.
0208.4 I / me我erhua variant of 差点差点儿not / haven't没to keep up with赶上train火车。
erhua variant of 差点差点儿not / haven't没 + wanted result = nearly failed to.
0208.5 One possible response: I / me我erhua variant of 差点差点儿to fall down摔倒。
Check meaning and form:
- My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
- I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
- Wanted result: erhua variant of 差点差点儿to pass a university…考上 = almost passed (but failed); erhua variant of 差点差点儿没考上 = nearly failed (but passed).
- Unwanted result: erhua variant of 差点差点儿to crash (into another car)撞车 and erhua variant of 差点差点儿not / haven't没to crash (into another car)撞车 both = nearly crashed (but didn't).
- I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.
This is supported productive practice. Compare meaning and structure; your answer need not copy the model. A partner or teacher must hear the spoken response to comment on pronunciation.
always从来 + not不 / not / haven't没 (never)
0209.1 (experienced)过
always从来not / haven't没 + verb + (experienced)过 for an experience.
0209.2 C. she / her她never从来不variant of 吃吃meat肉。
A habit or rule takes never从来不.
0209.3 he / him他never从来不to drink (alcohol)喝酒。
Subject + always从来 + not不 + verb.
0209.4 False.
Use all along一直 or always总是 for “always”; always从来 mostly appears with not不 / not / haven't没.
0209.5 One possible response: (coll.) father's father爷爷never从来不to smoke (a cigarette…抽烟。
Check meaning and form:
- My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
- I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
- Habit or choice → never从来不; past experience → always从来not / haven't没 + V + (experienced)过.
- Use (experienced)过 to highlight experience in this model. It is not required after every always从来not / haven't没; the predicate and intended meaning determine the complete phrase.
- I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.
This is supported productive practice. Compare meaning and structure; your answer need not copy the model. A partner or teacher must hear the spoken response to comment on pronunciation.
outcome结果 (as a result / in the end)
0210.1 outcome结果
outcome结果 introduces what actually happened.
0210.2 A. a noun meaning “result”
After (modifier / structural particle)的, outcome结果 is a noun, “result”: competition (sports etc)比赛(modifier / structural particle)的outcome结果to be / is是two二than / compared to比one / a一 “The result of the match was 2–1.” At the start of a clause, outcome结果 can also mean “as a result, in the end”.
0210.3 he / him他to sleep睡(degree marker)得degree / adjective linker很evening晚，outcome结果today今天to arrive late迟到(completed / change)了。
Cause, then outcome结果 + outcome.
0210.4 True.
It reports the real outcome, often a surprise.
0210.5 One possible response: we / us我们preparation准备(completed / change)了一上午，outcome结果to rain下雨(completed / change)了。
Check meaning and form:
- My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
- I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
- outcome结果 reports what actually happened, so it does not fit plans: if如果to rain下雨，we / us我们then / just就not不to go去, not if如果to rain下雨，outcome结果we / us我们不去.
- It starts the result clause: …，outcome结果he / him他to arrive late迟到(completed / change)了, not …，he / him他outcome结果to arrive late迟到(completed / change)了 in most speech.
- I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.
This is supported productive practice. Compare meaning and structure; your answer need not copy the model. A partner or teacher must hear the spoken response to comment on pronunciation.
enough (sufficient)够 (enough / sufficient)
0211.1 enough (sufficient)够
够不够 asks whether it is enough.
0211.2 A. these这些water水not enough不够to shout喝。
not enough不够 + verb = not enough to.
0211.3 coin钱够买一张ticket票。
Noun + enough (sufficient)够 + verb phrase.
0211.4 True.
enough足够((modifier / structural particle)的) = sufficient, often in writing.
0211.5 One possible response: vegetable菜not enough不够(completed / change)了，I / me我again / then再to make做两个(suggestion)吧。
Check meaning and form:
- My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
- I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
- enough (sufficient)够 normally follows the thing that is enough: 钱够(completed / change)了, (concept of) time时间not enough不够.
- "Enough to do" puts the verb after enough (sufficient)够: 够吃, adequate够用, not 吃够 (that means "have had one's fill").
- I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.
This is supported productive practice. Compare meaning and structure; your answer need not copy the model. A partner or teacher must hear the spoken response to comment on pronunciation.
even甚至 (even / to the point that)
0212.1 even甚至
even甚至 introduces the extreme point.
0212.2 B. D
even甚至 goes before the last, strongest item: even甚至winter冬天also也not不cold冷.
0212.3 he / him他even甚至to link连oneself自己(modifier / structural particle)的name (of a person or thing)名字all / both都写错(completed / change)了。
even甚至 + to link连…all / both都 + verb.
0212.4 True.
It raises the second clause to a stronger point.
0212.5 One possible response: she / her她busy忙(degree marker)得even甚至not / haven't没(concept of) time时间to have a meal吃饭。
Check meaning and form:
- My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
- I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
- Put the even甚至 item last, as the strongest point; even甚至 does not introduce an ordinary item.
- even甚至 is more formal than to link连…all / both都 alone; the two often appear together.
- I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.
This is supported productive practice. Compare meaning and structure; your answer need not copy the model. A partner or teacher must hear the spoken response to comment on pronunciation.
or / still还是 + Verb (had better)
0213.1 or / still还是
or / still还是 + verb + (suggestion)吧 = had better.
0213.2 A. we / us我们or / still还是to take a taxi (in town)打车(suggestion)吧。
The others are choice questions where or / still还是 = or.
0213.3 want / think / miss想(completed / change)了want / think / miss想，I / me我or / still还是不去(completed / change)了。
Reflection, then subject + or / still还是 + decision.
0213.4 True.
It marks a choice reached after weighing alternatives.
0213.5 One possible response: we / us我们or / still还是坐地铁(suggestion)吧。
Check meaning and form:
- My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
- I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
- In a question, or / still还是 = "or": you你to go去or / still还是I / me我to go去？ Here it is a statement or suggestion, so no question mark.
- or / still还是 + not不…(completed / change)了 reverses a plan: I / me我or / still还是不去(completed / change)了 – "I'm not going after all."
- I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.
This is supported productive practice. Compare meaning and structure; your answer need not copy the model. A partner or teacher must hear the spoken response to comment on pronunciation.
best最好 (had best / it's best to)
0214.1 best最好
best最好 + verb = had best.
0214.2 B. you你tonight今晚best最好don't别to drive a car开车。
Time + best最好don't别 + verb; not不best最好 is wrong.
0214.3 best最好to shift to an earlier date提前to book tickets订票。
best最好 + verb phrase.
0214.4 False.
False. Before (modifier / structural particle)的 + noun, best最好 is “best”: I / me我best最好(modifier / structural particle)的friend朋友 “my best friend”. Only before a verb does best最好 mean “had better”: you你best最好早点儿to walk走.
0214.5 One possible response: you你best最好多喝水，早点儿to go to bed睡觉。
Check meaning and form:
- My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
- I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
- "You'd better not" = best最好don't别 / best最好don't不要: best最好别去, not not不best最好to go去.
- best最好 + Verb gives advice; best最好(modifier / structural particle)的 + noun means "the best": best最好(modifier / structural particle)的friend朋友.
- I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.
This is supported productive practice. Compare meaning and structure; your answer need not copy the model. A partner or teacher must hear the spoken response to comment on pronunciation.
have no choice or option…不得不 (have no choice but to)
0215.1 have no choice or option…不得不
Forced by the situation: have no choice or option…不得不 (or to have no other option but…只好).
0215.2 B. I have to leave now.
have no choice or option…不得不 = must, forced by the situation.
0215.3 because因为not / haven't没coin钱，he / him他have no choice or option…不得不to sell off卖掉(completed / change)了war chariot (archaic)车。
Reason, then subject + have no choice or option…不得不 + verb.
0215.4 False.
It means “have no choice but to”; “must not” is cannot不能.
0215.5 One possible response: he / him他to have a high temperature…发烧(completed / change)了，have no choice or option…不得不to request leave of absence请假。
Check meaning and form:
- My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
- I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
- have no choice or option…不得不 is a double negative that means "must": "cannot not do". It never means "mustn't".
- "Mustn't" is cannot不能 or not不can / may可以: here这里cannot不能to pull up (stop one's…停车.
- I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.
This is supported productive practice. Compare meaning and structure; your answer need not copy the model. A partner or teacher must hear the spoken response to comment on pronunciation.
finally到底 (on earth / after all)
0216.1 finally到底
finally到底 + question word.
0216.2 B. you你finally到底to like喜欢not不to like喜欢she / her她？
finally到底 takes an A-not-A or a question word, never (yes/no ?)吗.
0216.3 this这finally到底to be / is是what's the matter?怎么回事？
Subject + finally到底 + question.
0216.4 True.
In statements, finally到底to be / is是 = after all.
0216.5 One possible response: you你finally到底to come来not不to come来？
Check meaning and form:
- My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
- I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
- Do not combine finally到底 with (yes/no ?)吗: you你finally到底去不去？, not you你finally到底to go去(yes/no ?)吗？
- Put finally到底 before the question part, after the subject: you你finally到底at / in在where哪儿？
- I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.
This is supported productive practice. Compare meaning and structure; your answer need not copy the model. A partner or teacher must hear the spoken response to comment on pronunciation.
to go to the bottom of a…究竟 (exactly / on earth)
0217.1 to go to the bottom of a…究竟
to go to the bottom of a…究竟 + question word.
0217.2 B. he / him他to go to the bottom of a…究竟to come来not不to come来？
to go to the bottom of a…究竟 needs A-not-A or a question word.
0217.3 we / us我们to go to the bottom of a…究竟should应该how / why怎么to make做？
Subject + to go to the bottom of a…究竟 + question.
0217.4 True.
It suits reports and serious discussion.
0217.5 One possible response: that那to go to the bottom of a…究竟to be / is是what什么？
Check meaning and form:
- My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
- I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
- No (yes/no ?)吗: you你to go to the bottom of a…究竟to agree同意not不to agree同意？, not you你to go to the bottom of a…究竟to agree同意(yes/no ?)吗？
- Put to go to the bottom of a…究竟 after the topic and before the question part: cause原因to go to the bottom of a…究竟to be / is是what什么？
- I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.
This is supported productive practice. Compare meaning and structure; your answer need not copy the model. A partner or teacher must hear the spoken response to comment on pronunciation.
just now刚 + Verb (just did)
0218.1 just now刚
just now刚 + verb = have just done.
0218.2 C. he / him他just now刚to walk走。
he / him他just now刚to walk走 is right: just now刚 is an adverb, so it goes after the subject and before the verb. It cannot start the sentence or follow the verb, and (completed / change)了 is not doubled.
0218.3 我刚to / arrive到home家，then / just就to rain下雨(completed / change)了。
just now刚 + event 1, then / just就 + event 2.
0218.4 True.
just now刚 + verb + duration = only recently.
0218.5 One possible response: 我刚down下airplane飞机，a moment一会儿to / for / give给you你to make a telephone call打电话。
Check meaning and form:
- My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
- I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
- just now刚 never starts the sentence: 我刚to / arrive到, not just now刚I / me我to / arrive到. (just now (variant of 刚才)刚才 can start it.)
- A just now刚 sentence usually needs no (completed / change)了: he / him他just now刚to walk走 already says it has happened.
- I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.
This is supported productive practice. Compare meaning and structure; your answer need not copy the model. A partner or teacher must hear the spoken response to comment on pronunciation.
one / a一 + MW + one / a一 + MW (one by one)
0219.1 一个
one / a一 + MW + one / a一 + MW.
0219.2 B. 一本one / a一local本地to see看
Same MW twice, then (adverb -ly)地 + verb.
0219.3 question问题want / will / need要一个一个(adverb -ly)地to solve解决。
Topic + want / will / need要 + 一个一个(adverb -ly)地 + verb.
0219.4 True.
Before a noun the phrase takes (modifier / structural particle)的; before a verb, (adverb -ly)地.
0219.5 One possible response: 别着急，一步一步地学。
Check meaning and form:
- My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
- I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
- Use the same measure word in both halves: 一本一本, not 一本一个.
- Put the phrase before the verb: 一个一个地问, not to ask问一个一个.
- I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.
This is supported productive practice. Compare meaning and structure; your answer need not copy the model. A partner or teacher must hear the spoken response to comment on pronunciation.
original本来 (originally / at first)
0220.1 original本来
original本来 = originally (before a change).
0220.2 B. original原来
A discovery takes original原来; original本来 cannot announce one.
0220.3 I / me我original本来unexpectedly不想to come来，but可是friend朋友definitely一定want / will / need要I / me我to come来。
original本来 + original wish, but可是 + change.
0220.4 True.
original本来then / just就 states something that was always true.
0220.5 One possible response: I / me我original本来want / think / miss想to go去Yunnan province in…云南，afterwards后来to go去(completed / change)了Hainan Province, in the…海南。
Check meaning and form:
- My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
- I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
- original本来then / just就 = "should have been obvious, naturally": student学生original本来then / just就should应该to learn学习 – "Students are, of course, supposed to study."
- This original本来 has no change of plan; it means the thing was always true.
- I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.
This is supported productive practice. Compare meaning and structure; your answer need not copy the model. A partner or teacher must hear the spoken response to comment on pronunciation.
then / just就 (only / just – small quantity)
0221.1 then / just就
then / just就 + number = only.
0221.2 C. as early as
Time + then / just就 + verb = as early as; this is not the “only” then / just就.
0221.3 I / me我then / just就去过first一次。
Subject + then / just就 + verb + (experienced)过 + first一次.
0221.4 True.
only then / not until才 + number adds surprise that it is so little.
0221.5 One possible response: I / me我then / just就to have / there is有十块钱。
Check meaning and form:
- My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
- I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
- Before a number or a person, then / just就 means "only". Between a time/condition and a verb it means "then / as early as": 六点then / just就to get out of bed起床(completed / change)了.
- Stress helps in speech: then / just就 is said with emphasis when it means "only".
- I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.
This is supported productive practice. Compare meaning and structure; your answer need not copy the model. A partner or teacher must hear the spoken response to comment on pronunciation.
ten million千万 (be sure to / whatever you do)
0222.1 ten million千万
ten million千万 + don't别 = a strong warning.
0222.2 D. you你ten million千万want / will / need要to take note of注意the body身体。
ten million千万 belongs in advice; it goes after the subject, before want / will / need要 / don't别.
0222.3 这件matter事ten million千万don't不要to tell告诉other people别人。
Topic + ten million千万don't不要 + verb.
0222.4 True.
It is an urgent warning or reminder.
0222.5 One possible response: you你ten million千万别忘了band带passport护照！
Check meaning and form:
- My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
- I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
- Use ten million千万 in advice or requests to someone, not to describe facts: he / him他ten million千万not / haven't没to come来 is wrong.
- ten million千万 goes before don't别 / don't不要 / want / will / need要, after the subject if there is one: you你千万别….
- I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.
This is supported productive practice. Compare meaning and structure; your answer need not copy the model. A partner or teacher must hear the spoken response to comment on pronunciation.
fear恐怕 (I'm afraid / probably)
0223.1 fear恐怕
fear恐怕 introduces an unwelcome guess.
0223.2 C. younger sister妹妹怕黑。
Being scared of something is to be afraid怕; fear恐怕 is a cautious guess.
0223.3 tomorrow明天fear恐怕want / will / need要to rain下雨。
Time + fear恐怕 + prediction.
0223.4 False.
It usually softens unwelcome news; maybe / possible可能 is neutral.
0223.5 One possible response: fear恐怕there's not enough time (to…来不及(completed / change)了。
Check meaning and form:
- My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
- I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
- fear恐怕 is a cautious prediction, not "be scared of": "I'm scared of dogs" is 我怕dog狗, not I / me我fear恐怕dog狗.
- It usually goes with unwelcome news; for a neutral guess, maybe / possible可能 is better: he / him他maybe / possible可能to be at home在家.
- I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.
This is supported productive practice. Compare meaning and structure; your answer need not copy the model. A partner or teacher must hear the spoken response to comment on pronunciation.
unexpectedly竟然 (actually / unexpectedly)
0224.1 unexpectedly竟然
unexpectedly竟然 marks a surprise.
0224.2 C. really果然
really果然 means “just as expected”: the forecast said snow, and it did snow. unexpectedly竟然 and unexpectedly居然 mark surprise, and suddenly突然 means “suddenly”.
0224.3 so much这么simple简单(modifier / structural particle)的topic题，I / me我unexpectedly竟然to make an error做错(completed / change)了。
Subject + unexpectedly竟然 + verb.
0224.4 True.
It marks any outcome that goes against expectation.
0224.5 One possible response: he / him他unexpectedly竟然(degree marker)得(completed / change)了第一名！
Check meaning and form:
- My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
- I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
- Use unexpectedly竟然 only when the outcome is unexpected; for a plain fact, leave it out.
- It is an adverb: he / him他unexpectedly竟然to come来(completed / change)了, not unexpectedly竟然他来(completed / change)了 in most speech.
- I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.
This is supported productive practice. Compare meaning and structure; your answer need not copy the model. A partner or teacher must hear the spoken response to comment on pronunciation.
don't tell me ...难道 (rhetorical: don't tell me …?)
0225.1 don't tell me ...难道
don't tell me ...难道…(yes/no ?)吗 makes a rhetorical question.
0225.2 B. The speaker thinks you must be hungry.
A negative don't tell me ...难道 question implies the positive.
0225.3 don't tell me ...难道he / him他to forget忘(completed / change)了？
don't tell me ...难道 + statement + ?
0225.4 False.
It challenges; the speaker already believes the answer.
0225.5 One possible response: don't tell me ...难道you你not不to know知道(yes/no ?)吗？
Check meaning and form:
- My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
- I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
- don't tell me ...难道 does not ask for information; the speaker already believes the answer. Use it to challenge, not to ask.
- don't tell me ...难道 sits at the start or after the subject: you你don't tell me ...难道not不to know知道(yes/no ?)吗？ is also correct.
- I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.
This is supported productive practice. Compare meaning and structure; your answer need not copy the model. A partner or teacher must hear the spoken response to comment on pronunciation.
early先 … ，again / then再 … (first …, then …)
0226.1 again / then再
early先 A，again / then再 B for future steps.
0226.2 D. to wait for等(literary) to rain雨to stop停(completed / change)了again / then再to walk走。
to wait for等 + condition + again / then再 + action.
0226.3 early先to have a meal吃饭，else别的matter事after以后to say again再说。
early先 + step, after以后to say again再说 postpones the rest.
0226.4 False.
Past sequences use early先…then / after然后… with (completed / change)了.
0226.5 One possible response: you你early先to fill or stuff填this这张表，again / then再to go去personnel office人事部，then / after然后neck领computer电脑。
Check meaning and form:
- My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
- I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
- For a past sequence, use early先…then / after然后… with (completed / change)了: I / me我early先to go去(completed / change)了bank银行，then / after然后to go去(completed / change)了supermarket (abbr. for 超级市场)超市.
- early先 and again / then再 are adverbs: each comes after the subject, before its verb: I / me我early先to walk走，you你again / then再to walk走.
- I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.
This is supported productive practice. Compare meaning and structure; your answer need not copy the model. A partner or teacher must hear the spoken response to comment on pronunciation.
also也all / both都 (also all of them)
0227.1 also也
also也 comes before all / both都.
0227.2 B. they他们also也all / both都to like喜欢to sing a song唱歌。
they他们also也all / both都to like喜欢to sing a song唱歌 is right: when also也 and all / both都 are both used, also也 comes first, and both go after the subject and before the verb.
0227.3 they他们also也all / both都not不to know知道。
also也all / both都 + not不 + verb.
0227.4 False.
False. When both appear, the order is also也all / both都: they他们also也all / both都to come来(completed / change)了 “They all came too.” all / both都also也 is not used.
0227.5 One possible response: they他们also也all / both都to go去(completed / change)了museum博物馆。
Check meaning and form:
- My response conveys a message that fits the opening situation.
- I can explain the meaning of the pattern, rather than only naming it.
- Say also也all / both都, never all / both都also也: we / us我们also也all / both都to go去, not we / us我们all / both都also也to go去.
- Both adverbs come after the subject and before the verb or not不 / not / haven't没.
- I tried a second response with a name, time, place, or description changed.
This is supported productive practice. Compare meaning and structure; your answer need not copy the model. A partner or teacher must hear the spoken response to comment on pronunciation.