Mandarin Companion

Appendix B: Grammar Point Index

For learners new to reading Chinese, an understanding of grammar points can be extremely helpful for learners and teachers. The following is a list of the most challenging grammar points used in this graded reader.

These grammar points correspond to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level A2 or above. The full list with explanations and examples of each grammar point can be found on the Chinese Grammar Wiki , the definitive source of information on Chinese grammar online.

Chapter 1
The "all" adverb "dou"	都 + Verb / Adj.
Tag questions with "ma"	⋯⋯是嗎 / 對嗎 / 好嗎 ?
Reduplication of verbs	Verb + Verb
After a specific time with "yihou"	Time / Verb + 以後
Expressing "if… then…" with "yaoshi"	要是⋯⋯，就⋯⋯
Expressing a learned skill with "hui"	會 + Verb
The "also" adverb "ye"	也 + Verb / Adj.
Expressing "will" with "hui"	會 + Verb
How to do something with "zenme"	怎麼 + Verb ?
Expressing "when" with "de shihou"	⋯⋯的時候
Two words for "but"	……，可是 / 但是……
Chapter 2
Suggestions with "ba"	Command + 吧
Expressing location with "zai... shang / xia / li"	在 + Place + 上 / 下 / 裡 / 旁邊
Simultaneous tasks with "yibian"	一邊 + Verb 1 (，) 一邊 + Verb 2
Using "dui" with verbs	Subj. + 對 + Person + Verb
Chapter 3
Expressing "all at once" with "yixiazi"	Subj. + 一下子 + Verb + 了
Expressing "and" with "he"	Noun 1 + 和 + Noun 2
Expressing ability or possibility with "neng"	能 + Verb
Basic comparisons with "yiyang"	Noun 1 + 跟 / 和 + Noun 2 + 一樣 + Adj.
Chapter 4
Expressing "again" in the future with "zai"	再 + Verb
Expressing "then…" with "name"	那麼⋯⋯
Expressing duration with "le"	Verb + 了 + Duration
Sequencing past events with "houlai"	⋯⋯ ，後來 ⋯⋯
Chapter 5
Expressing "everything" with "shenme dou"	什麼 + 都 / 也⋯⋯
Expressing "in addition" with "zaishuo"	⋯⋯ ，再說，⋯⋯
Expressing "with" with "gen"	跟⋯⋯ + Verb
Causative verbs	Subj. + 讓 / 叫 / 請 / 使 + Person + Predicate