Using 把 with directional complements

Use this pattern when a known object is moved in a direction by the action.

elementaryA2 · TOCFL a2word ordersentence pattern

Pattern

Subject + 把 + object + verb + direction

Key words

Core idea

combines naturally with directional complements when an object is moved somewhere.

The pattern is:

把 + object + verb + direction

The sentence first names the object, then says how its location or direction changes.

When to use it

Use this pattern when the object is specific and the action produces a clear directional result: take it out, bring it in, send someone back, move something over.

Compare with ordinary direction

Without , the sentence may simply describe someone's movement. With , the focus is on what happens to the object.

Examples

请把书拿出来。

Qǐng bǎ shū ná chūlai.

Please take the book out.

他把孩子送回家。

Tā bǎ háizi sòng huí jiā.

He takes the child back home.

我把椅子搬进去。

Wǒ bǎ yǐzi bān jìnqu.

I move the chair inside.

Common mistakes

Avoid

请把书出来拿。

Use

请把书拿出来。

After 把, keep the action verb before the direction complement.

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