The word order for the Chinese language, much like the English language is SVO (subject-verb-object). Hence Chinese sentences more often have exact equivalents in English language.
Stative verbs
A stative verb expresses quality or conditions. In Chinese a stative verb is used where in English one would use the verb ‘to be’ with an adjective. For instance, in tā hěn máng (he is very busy) máng is a stative verb and means to be busy.
Possessive de
This construction indicates that the noun after de belongs to the noun that comes before de, as in
1. Xiǎo Wáng de yóupiào Xiao Wang’s stamp.
The verb zài
When zài is used as the main verb in a sentence, it means to be located...; to be in, on, or at a place, as in
1.zài zhèr to be here,
2.tā zài zhèr he is here.
The linking verb shì
The linking verb shì is used to link nouns or pronouns, as in
1.
tā shì lǎoshī he is a teacher and
2.wǒ shì xuésheng I am a student
Modal verbs
Modal verbs are like auxiliary verbs and are placed before main verbs
| English | Chinese |
| should, to be obliged | yīnggāi |
| to have to | děi |
| to be permitted; | kěyǐ |
| to be able | néng |
| to like, to be fond of. | ài |
| to want, to intend; | xiǎng |