Clauses
Spoken Description
了解中文从句的类型：名词性(主语、宾语、表语从句)、状语从句和定语从句。掌握连接词如“因为”、“虽然”、“如果”、“但是”和关系代词的使用。提供例句与练习，帮助掌握实际用法。
Understand the main types of clauses in English: noun clauses (subjects, objects, predicate complements), adverbial clauses, and relative clauses. Learn conjunctions like “because,” “although,” “if,” “but,” and relative pronouns. Practice with examples to gain confidence.
-:- / -:-
Clauses are smaller units within sentences that each do some work. In Mandarin Chinese, clauses often line up neatly with 把 bǎ and 被 bèi sentences and with particles like 因为 yīnwèi and 所以 suǒyǐ. This guide covers the main types of clauses and how they connect.
Relative Clauses
Relative clauses describe a noun and always come before the noun they modify. You simply put the modifying clause first, followed by the noun. For example:
Adverbial Clauses
Adverbial clauses give extra info like time, reason, condition, or purpose, and they usually end with a marker such as 当 dāng, 因为 yīnwèi, 如果 rúguǒ, or 所以 suǒyǐ. The adverbial clause typically comes before the main clause. For example:
Complement Clauses
Complement clauses fill in more detail after verbs like 想 xiǎng, 说 shuō, and 知道 zhīdào. When the second clause reports speech, thought, or perception, it usually follows verbs with 那 nà or 是 shì as a bridge. For example:
Serial Verb Clauses
Serial verb constructions put two or more verbs or verb phrases in a row to show sequence, cause, or manner, and they share the same subject. These are very natural for expressing actions that happen one after another or that serve a function. For example:
把 bǎ Sentences
The 把 construction moves the object in front of the verb and lets you highlight what happens to it—such as changing, moving, or disposing of something. This construction is useful for making the result or action on the object explicit. For example:
被 bèi Sentences
The 被 construction marks the object as being affected by an action, often with a passive or adverse sense. It's used when you want to emphasize that someone suffered, avoided, or experienced an action. For example:
Summary
Clauses group meaningful bits of information: relative clauses shape nouns, adverbials set scene or reason, complements report thought or speech, serial verbs stack actions, and 把/被 constructions spotlight treatment of objects. Practice identifying each role in context.
All content was written by our AI and may contain a few mistakes. We may earn commissions on some links. Last updated: Mon Dec 8, 2025, 6:25 AM