Basic Word Order

A1 — 句子结构

Basic Subject-Verb-Object word order in Chinese

I can form basic SVO sentences

Examples

Sentence structureA1

Basic Subject-Verb-Object word order in Chinese

Learning Goal

I can form basic SVO sentences

Exam Skills:HSK 1 · WritingHSK 1 · Speaking

Look at these examples. Can you spot the grammar pattern?

我喝水。

I drink water.

他今天学中文。

He studies Chinese today.

我们吃米饭。

We eat rice.

Pay attention to the highlighted parts. What do they have in common?

Chinese uses Subject + Verb + Object order, just like English. Verbs never change form. Time expressions go before the verb.

Apply this grammar in A1 course exercises

Time expressions go BEFORE the verb, not after. Verbs never conjugate.

我喝水。

I drink water.

我 (S) + 喝 (V) + 水 (O) — classic SVO, same as English/German.

他今天学中文。

He studies Chinese today.

Time word 今天 goes BEFORE the verb: 他今天学中文 (not *他学中文今天).

我们吃米饭。

We eat rice.

我们吃米饭 — same verb 吃 for all persons. No conjugation ever!

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Practice in course

Apply this grammar in A1 course exercises

When do you use Basic Word Order?: Chinese uses Subject + Verb + Object order, just like English. Verbs never change form. Time expressions go before the verb.
What are common mistakes with Basic Word Order?: Time expressions go BEFORE the verb, not after. Verbs never conjugate.