Verb + Object Patterns

The simplest pattern is verb followed directly by a noun: this tells you what action is being done and to what thing. Think of short, clear sentences that do exactly what you want.

When talking about amounts, Mandarin slots in a measure word between the number and the noun. Some verbs naturally pair with such quantified objects, so notice which measure word fits the noun.

Some verbs are followed by a resultative complement that shows what happened as a result of the action. These complements turn the sentence from a bare action into a specific outcome, like "break," "finish," or "open."

Directional complements tell you where the action goes, such as "up," "in," "out," or "away." They often attach to the verb to show movement relative to a place or container, making sentences more vivid and precise.

When you want to turn an action into a descriptive phrase modifying a noun, you can use de 的 to link a verb phrase to that noun. This pattern lets you highlight how something was made, chosen, or experienced.

The bǎ 把 and gěi 给 constructions rearrange the sentence to focus on what happens to the object. Bǎ 把 brings the object forward and is used when the object is affected or disposed of, while gěi 给 adds a recipient and can signal giving or benefitting.

Pay attention to whether the verb is followed by a noun, a measure word phrase, a resultative or directional complement, or a modifying de 的 phrase. Practicing these patterns makes your Mandarin clearer and more natural.