Chinese Grammar Core Course — Unit 14
Unit 14
Duration, frequency, and repetition
Duration answers “for how long”, frequency answers “how often”, and number of times answers “how many times”. Their positions depend on whether the object is definite.
These structures change what the listener notices first: a handled object, an affected subject, a route, a recipient, or a purpose. Keep the result visible.
Do not translate word by word. First identify the main verb, then attach time, place, negation, or aspect in the order shown by the pattern.
Pattern to hear
请把门关上。
Meaning in context: Please close the door.
How to use it
Duration answers “for how long”, frequency answers “how often”, and number of times answers “how many times”. Their positions depend on whether the object is definite.
我学了两年中文。我每天跑一次步。
These structures change what the listener notices first: a handled object, an affected subject, a route, a recipient, or a purpose. Keep the result visible.
Do not translate word by word. First identify the main verb, then attach time, place, negation, or aspect in the order shown by the pattern.
Self-check
- How to use it
- Look for the participant whose result matters most: the handled object, affected subject, route, recipient, or purpose.
- Build it yourself
- Give a practical instruction, report an unwanted result, and describe a trip with a purpose.
- Self-check
- Does every 把 sentence state what happened to the object?
Contrast and decision
For English speakers, the main adjustment is not basic SVO order but keeping time, place, aspect markers, and complements in their Chinese positions.
What to notice: Duration, frequency, and repetition
More examples to read aloud
- 把书放在桌子上。
- 我把作业写完了。
- 请把灯打开。
Read the pattern, cover the translation, and rebuild the sentence from its meaning. Return to the detailed articles for exceptions and nuance.
Build it yourself
Describe one habit and one finished activity with duration.
说一段学习时间和一个有频率的习惯。
Check the answer only after you have said or written your version.
Self-check
Model and reason
Duration answers “for how long”, frequency answers “how often”, and number of times answers “how many times”. Their positions depend on whether the object is definite.
她在北京住了三年。他每周看两次电影。
Read the pattern, cover the translation, and rebuild the sentence from its meaning. Return to the detailed articles for exceptions and nuance.