1. Basic Structure:

• Standard Sentence: [Subject] + [Verb] + [Object]

• "把" Sentence: [Subject] + 把 + [Object] + [Verb Phrase]

2. Why Use a "把" Sentence?

• Standard Sentence: 我关了门。 (I closed the door.) -> Simply states a fact.

• "把" Sentence: 我把门关了。 (I disposed of the door by closing it.) -> Emphasizes that the "door" was handled by me, resulting in it being "closed."

• It emphasizes what the subject does to the object, and the change or result that happens to the object because of the action.

• Comparison:

3. Rules for "把" Sentences (Crucial!):

• Correct: 请把那本书给我。 (那本书 = that specific book)

• Incorrect: 请把一本书给我。 (一本书 = any book, not specific)

• Result complement: 我把作业做完了。 (I finished the homework.)

• Directional complement: 请把椅子拿过来。 (Please bring the chair over.)

• "了": 我把信寄了。 (I mailed the letter.)

• A second object: 我把这本书送给他。 (I gave this book to him.)

• Rule 1: The verb cannot be isolated; it must be followed by "something." For example:

• Rule 2: The object must be specific. The listener needs to know which object is being "把-ed".

Summary: "把" Sentence = Subject + 把 + Specific Object + Verb (with result). Practice frequently to develop a feel for it.