来 as a dummy verb (I'll do it)
IntroducedRecover the action behind an offer
- A difficult task needs a volunteer and you offer to do it.
- I我(do it)来(suggestion)吧。 — (do it)来 stands for undertaking the shared task in this context.
A difficult task needs a volunteer and you offer to do it. What does 我来吧。 communicate?
来 stands for undertaking the shared task in this context. In another context 我来 can mean coming to a place. The surrounding activity determines the omitted action.
Build the form
- The pattern in this lesson is (do it)来 as a dummy verb (I'll do it). Locate it in the original interlinear examples below.
- Keep the words in their demonstrated positions; the pattern must fit the intended situation as well as the sentence form.
I我(do it)来吧。
Using the lesson pattern in this demonstrated example: Let me do it: 我 ____ 吧。
Subj + 来 = I'll do it: 我来吧.
Read examples in context
- In the opening example, I我(do it)来(suggestion)吧。: (do it)来 stands for undertaking the shared task in this context.
- Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.
What does 来 mean in 我来吧?
来 stands in for a specific verb the context supplies.
Know the boundary
- In another context I我(do it)来 can mean coming to a place.
- The surrounding activity determines the omitted action.
这个我来 means “I'll take / do this one”.
Yes — offering to take over: 这个我来.
我来吧 can only describe physical movement.
In another context 我来 can mean coming to a place. The surrounding activity determines the omitted action. 来 stands for undertaking the shared task in this context.
Use the distinction
- (do it)来 stands for undertaking the shared task in this context.
- In another context I我(do it)来 can mean coming to a place. The surrounding activity determines the omitted action.
Read the full reference: HSK 4 grammar — Verbs.
A difficult task needs a volunteer and you offer to do it. 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.
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.