6.3 The 把 (bǎ) Construction

What 把 does

The 把 (bǎ) construction moves the object before the verb to emphasize what happens to it: 我把书放在桌子上 (wǒ bǎ shū fàng zài zhuōzi shàng) = I put the book on the table.

The pattern

Subject + 把 + object + verb + (result/complement). The verb almost always has something after it (了, a result, a location) — you can't end on a bare verb.

When to use it

Use 把 when an action disposes of or changes a specific, known object — moving it, finishing it, giving it. 我把作业做完了 (I finished the homework).

Key terms

把 (bǎ) construction

moves the object before the verb

Pattern

Subject + 把 + object + verb + result/location

Verb rule

the verb needs a complement (了, result, location)

Use

when disposing of / changing a specific known object

Example

我把书放在桌子上 — I put the book on the table

Try an AP-style question

The 把 construction emphasizes…

1. a question
2. what happens to the object
3. the time of an action
4. a comparison