Resulting location with verb + 在

Use this complement after a verb to show where something ends up after the action.

elementaryA2 · TOCFL a2complementgrammar

V + 在

Pattern

Verb + 在 + place

Key words

Core idea

verb + 在 + place can show where something ends up after an action.

The location is part of the result: put it on the table, write it here, sit at the doorway.

What learners often miss

This is different from putting a location before the verb to say where an action happens. With verb + 在, the place follows the verb because it is the outcome or settled location.

Mini decision rule

If the sentence means “do the action at a place,” the location often comes before the verb. If it means “make something be at a place,” verb + 在 + place is often the better frame.

Examples

我把书放在桌子上。

Wǒ bǎ shū fàng zài zhuōzi shàng.

I put the book on the table.

请把名字写在这里。

Qǐng bǎ míngzi xiě zài zhèlǐ.

Please write the name here.

他坐在门口等朋友。

Tā zuò zài ménkǒu děng péngyou.

He sits by the door waiting for a friend.

Common mistakes

Avoid

我把书放桌子上在。

Use

我把书放在桌子上。

Put 在 right after the action verb when it marks where the thing ends up.

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