Verb/Adjective/Clause as Object
动词或动词性短语、形容词或形容词性短语和主谓短语作宾语
Use verb phrases, adjective phrases, and subject-predicate clauses as objects of verbs
Certain verbs in Chinese can take entire verb phrases, adjective phrases, or even subject-predicate clauses as their object. The main verb expresses an attitude, plan, feeling, or hope, and the object phrase describes what is planned, liked, felt, or hoped.
Common verbs that take these complex objects include 打算, 喜欢, 希望, 觉得, 感到, 开始, 同意, and 决定. No linking word like English "that" is needed.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Verb/Adjective/Clause as Object (动词或动词性短语、形容词或形容词性短语和主谓短语作宾语)
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Understanding 动词或动词性短语、形容词或形容词性短语和主谓短语作宾语
In English, we often use "that" clauses or infinitives as objects: "I hope that everyone passes" or "I plan to go." Chinese works similarly but more simply — you just place the phrase directly after the main verb with no connector. 我打算去上海 means "I plan to go to Shanghai" — the verb phrase 去上海 is the object of 打算. When the object is an adjective, as in 她喜欢安静 (She likes quiet/peace), the adjective 安静 functions as the object. The most advanced form is a subject-predicate clause as object: 老师希望大家都能取得好成绩 (The teacher hopes everyone can achieve good results). Here, 大家都能取得好成绩 is an entire clause serving as the object of 希望. This pattern is essential for expressing thoughts, feelings, plans, and wishes.
Key Points
- Verb phrase as object: 我打算去上海 — the VP 去上海 is the object of 打算.
- Adjective as object: 她喜欢安静 — the adjective 安静 is the object of 喜欢.
- Feeling + adjective object: 我感到不舒服 — 不舒服 is how you feel.
- Subject-predicate clause as object: 老师希望大家都能取得好成绩.
- No connecting word like "that" is needed between the main verb and its clause object.
- Verbs commonly used with these objects: 打算, 喜欢, 希望, 觉得, 感到, 决定, 同意, 开始.
Chinese teachers and parents frequently use the 希望 + subject-predicate clause pattern to express expectations: 我希望你好好学习 (I hope you study hard). This indirect way of giving instructions is considered more polite and caring than direct commands.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
我打算去上海。
I plan to go to Shanghai.
Verb phrase as object of 打算
她喜欢安静。
She likes peace and quiet.
Adjective as object of 喜欢
我感到不舒服。
I feel uncomfortable.
老师希望大家都能取得好成绩。
The teacher hopes everyone can achieve good results.
Subject-predicate clause as object
我决定明天开始锻炼。
I have decided to start exercising tomorrow.
他觉得学中文很有意思。
He thinks studying Chinese is very interesting.
我同意你的想法。
I agree with your idea.
妈妈不同意我一个人去旅行。
Mom does not agree with me traveling alone.
Common Mistakes
Do not insert 是 between the main verb and its verb-phrase object. The verb phrase connects directly.
Chinese does not use a connector like "that" (那) between the verb and its clause object. Just place the clause directly after the verb.
感到 typically does not take 了 when describing a current feeling. The adjective phrase directly follows.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Think of these main verbs (打算, 希望, 觉得, etc.) as "gateway verbs" — they open the door for a whole clause to follow.
Unlike English, Chinese never needs "that" between the verb and its clause object.
When you want to express feelings, opinions, or plans, this pattern is your go-to structure.
Practice chain: 我觉得..., 我打算..., 我希望..., 我决定... — fill in with different clause objects.
Homework
Write eight sentences: two using 打算 + verb phrase, two using 觉得 + subject-predicate clause, two using 希望 + subject-predicate clause, and two using 感到 + adjective phrase. Make the content about your real life plans and feelings.