Predicate Phrases as Objects in Chinese
谓词性短语和主谓短语作宾语
Certain verbs select a verb phrase, adjective phrase, or subject-predicate phrase as their object. The entire following unit completes the matrix verb's meaning: 打算 can take an intended action, 喜欢 a property, and 希望 a proposition. This differs from a pivotal sentence because the embedded subject is not simultaneously the matrix verb's object.
Published August 5, 2026
Reviewed August 5, 2026
01 / PATTERN
See the Structure
MODEL
Matrix Verb + Verb, Adjective, or Subject-Predicate Phrase
Read the structure
Certain verbs select a verb phrase, adjective phrase, or subject-predicate phrase as their object. The entire following unit completes the matrix verb's meaning: 打算 can take an intended action, 喜欢 a property, and 希望 a proposition. This differs from a pivotal sentence because the embedded subject is not simultaneously the matrix verb's object. Keep the model Matrix Verb + Verb, Adjective, or Subject-Predicate Phrase visible while you compare each sentence.
我打算去上海。
I plan to go to Shanghai.
Choose the right context
Place an intended action after verbs such as 打算. Place a preferred property after verbs such as 喜欢. Place a complete proposition after verbs such as 希望.
她喜欢安静。
She likes quietness.
Respect the boundary
Do not force every following subject into pivotal analysis. Do not insert an object marker before the selected phrase. Do not reverse the matrix verb and its phrase object.
去上海我打算。
(Go to Shanghai I plan.)
Repair the pattern
The matrix verb follows its object phrase: In the unmarked construction, the selecting verb 打算 precedes its verbal object 去上海. The embedded predicate precedes its subject: Inside the subject-predicate object, 大家 must precede its predicate 取得好成绩.
我打算去上海。
Use the repaired structure without changing the intended meaning.
02 / MAP
Read the Sentence
Read from left to right and notice the job performed by each part. The labels describe this example; they are not a rule that every Chinese sentence must copy.
我打算去上海。
I plan to go to Shanghai.
我
Matrix Verb
This part occupies the Matrix Verb position in the model pattern.
打算
Verb, Adjective, or Subject-Predicate Phrase
This part occupies the Verb, Adjective, or Subject-Predicate Phrase position in the model pattern.
去
Matrix Verb
This part occupies the Matrix Verb position in the model pattern.
上海
Verb, Adjective, or Subject-Predicate Phrase
This part occupies the Verb, Adjective, or Subject-Predicate Phrase position in the model pattern.
03 / EXAMPLES
Examples You Can Reuse
Keep the structure stable while changing the people, objects, times, or conditions. Pinyin is shown as reading support; use the Chinese sentence and translation to confirm the grammar relationship.
我打算去上海。
I plan to go to Shanghai.
她喜欢安静。
She likes quietness.
老师希望大家取得好成绩。
The teacher hopes everyone gets good results.
04 / LIMITS
When to Use It — and When Not To
Use it when
- Place an intended action after verbs such as 打算.
- Place a preferred property after verbs such as 喜欢.
- Place a complete proposition after verbs such as 希望.
Do not use it when
- Do not force every following subject into pivotal analysis.
- Do not insert an object marker before the selected phrase.
- Do not reverse the matrix verb and its phrase object.
05 / REPAIR
Compare Right and Wrong
Compare the smallest meaningful change. Each explanation identifies a placement, scope, form, or clause relationship instead of treating the whole sentence as one undifferentiated mistake.
去上海我打算。
我打算去上海。
The matrix verb follows its object phrase
In the unmarked construction, the selecting verb 打算 precedes its verbal object 去上海.
老师希望取得好成绩大家。
老师希望大家取得好成绩。
The embedded predicate precedes its subject
Inside the subject-predicate object, 大家 must precede its predicate 取得好成绩.
去上海我打算。
In the unmarked construction, the selecting verb 打算 precedes its verbal object 去上海.
老师希望取得好成绩大家。
Inside the subject-predicate object, 大家 must precede its predicate 取得好成绩.
06 / PRACTICE
Practice the Grammar Point
Complete three short tasks in order: judge the pattern, repair a common error, and build the sentence. Feedback is fixed and reviewed, so these activities do not use a checker allowance.
1. Judge the sentence
2. Choose the correction
3. Build the sentence
Build a complete sentence with 谓词性短语和主谓短语作宾语.
07 / APPLY
Apply It in Your Sentence
Write one original sentence with 谓词性短语和主谓短语作宾语. Your draft moves to the checker through this browser session, selects this grammar point as the first review focus, and waits for you to submit.
08 / QUESTIONS
Predicate Phrases as Objects Questions
How is this different from a pivotal sentence?
In a pivotal sentence the middle noun has roles in both predicates; here an entire phrase or proposition is selected as object.
Can an adjective serve as the object?
Yes. Verbs such as 喜欢 and 感到 can select adjective-centered material in this listed pattern.
09 / SOURCES
Sources and Review Notes
These references support different parts of the lesson. GF0025-2021 supports level placement only; professional grammar works support the explanation, limits, examples, and cross-checks. Their inclusion does not imply endorsement.
Chinese Proficiency Grading Standards for International Chinese Language Education (GF0025-2021)
Ministry of Education and State Language Commission · Ministry of Education of the PRC · 2021
Locator: Appendix A, Level 3 item 【三44】, PDF pp. 204-205 (printed pp. 198-199)
Places verb, adjective, and subject-predicate phrases functioning as objects at Level 3.
Official source现代汉语语法课程讲义
包头师范学院 · 包头师范学院 · 2024
Locator: 短语结构类, slides 25-26
Contrasts pivotal phrases with verb-object phrases whose object is a subject-predicate phrase.
Official source10 / CONTINUE
Continue with a Connected Rule
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兼语句Pivotal Sentences
An embedded subject stays inside an object clause rather than serving as a pivot.
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A selected verbal object differs from serial predicates sharing one matrix subject.
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