Pattern
Beginner word order
Lock Subject + Time + Place + Verb + Object as your default.
The reliable frame
我今天在家学习中文。
Time and place usually come before the verb.
Questions keep the same skeleton.
What not to do
Avoid English end-heavy time placement as your default.
Avoid inserting 是 before adjectives/locations wrongly.
Do not invert for 吗 questions.
Slots for question words
Put 什么/哪儿 where the answer would go.
你在哪儿工作？你想吃什么？
The rest of the order stays intact.
Expansion practice
Start from 我学习.
Add time, then place, then object.
Swap one slot at a time.
Examples
I study Chinese.
I study Chinese today.
I study Chinese at home today.
He is going to Beijing tomorrow.
We eat at a restaurant in the evening.
Where do you work?
What does she want to drink?
I’m not at home now.
Tips
- Time before verb.
- Place before verb.
- Expand one slot at a time.
- Keep question-word slot = answer slot.
Cloze drills
1. I study Chinese today.
Full: 我今天学习中文。
今天
2. He goes to Beijing tomorrow.
Full: 他明天去北京。
明天去
3. Where do you work?
Full: 你在哪儿工作？
在哪儿
4. I’m not at home now.
Full: 我现在不在家。
现在不在