HSK 3
连动句2
lián dòng jù 2
Serial verb sentence 2
Explanation
A serial verb sentence is a sentence with two (or more) verbs in a row performed by the SAME subject (the person/thing performing), arranged in sequence from earlier to later.
subject + verb 1 + (object) + verb 2 + (object). The object is the target of the action (e.g. "fruit" in "buy fruit").
There are two kinds of relationship. (1) Verb 1 is the MANNER/means of verb 2: 坐飞机去 (zuò fēijī qù = go by plane), 笑着说 (xiào zhe shuō = say while smiling). (2) Verb 2 is the PURPOSE of verb 1: 去超市买水果 (qù chāoshì mǎi shuǐguǒ = go to the supermarket to buy fruit), 来中国学习 (come to China to study).
In the manner type, 着 (zhe) is often attached after verb 1 (笑着说); in the purpose type 着 is not used, and verb 2 states what one wants to do.
Reversing the order of the two verbs (they must follow the actual sequence: go first, then buy, 去...买...); inserting the conjunction "and" between the two verbs (Chinese joins them directly, no 和 needed).
Examples
(1) The earlier action is the manner of the later action
He said with a smile: "It's nothing."
Tomorrow I'll go to Beijing by plane.
(2) The later action is the purpose of the earlier action
He goes to the supermarket to buy fruit.
I came to China to study Chinese.
Practice
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Learn “连动句2” effectively
The grammar point “连动句2” (Serial verb sentence 2) is one of the key structures at HSK 3. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.
Study tip: read the examples aloud many times to build a natural reflex. Then try making your own sentences for your own situations. Use the audio button to hear and practice accurate pronunciation.
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