This chapter introduces the passive 被 bèi construction by outlining the similarities and differences between the bèi construction and the bǎ construction. The grammatical features of the bèi construction are explained, with an emphasis on the difference between typical passive sentences in other languages. Several other forms of passive sentences in Chinese are also provided.

This chapter introduces the concept of grammar of a particular language. The basic units of grammar in Chinese are introduced in order to underline the distinguishing characteristics of Chinese grammar. By comparing Chinese with English, the chapter demonstrates that Chinese words have no form changes in sentences regardless of quantity or tense; thus, the relationship between words plays an important role in determining their parts of speech.

This chapter introduces simple sentences in terms of their components and structures. The functions of a simple sentence are explained. Special simple sentences without a subject or a predicate are introduced by their grammatical features and functions.

This chapter introduces compound sentences, as the components of these complicated sentences have equal importance. Four types of common compound sentences are examined: coordinative, successive, incremental, and alternative. Each type is introduced in terms of specific correlative markers and their meanings and uses.

This chapter introduces conjunctions in Chinese. The focus is on distinguishing conjunctions, prepositions, and adverbs. This chapter also provides detailed information on the usages of common conjunctions and connective expressions.

This chapter introduces parts of speech (PoS) and their functions in Chinese. The PoS that are introduced include the major categories of nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs. The unique category of classifiers (measure words) and the minor categories of numbers, pronouns, modal verbs, prepositions, conjunctions, and particles are also discussed.

This chapter introduces two common emphatic constructions in Chinese: the 连...都/也 lián...dōu/yě construction and the 是...的 shì...de construction. The differences between expressing emphasis in Chinese and English are examined.

This chapter introduces complex sentences, which are complicated sentences that are formed by a main clause and one or more subordinate clauses, namely, clauses of unequal importance. Five types of common complex sentences are identified in this chapter: causative, concessive, conditional, purposive, and preference. Each type is introduced in terms of specific correlative markers and their meanings and uses.

This chapter introduces the grammatical features and structure of the disposal 把 bǎ construction. Attention is paid to the conditions of using bǎ sentences, especially regarding the appropriate conditions under which this construction should be used.

The subcategory of modal verbs is introduced in this chapter, including an overview of how modal verbs differ in meaning and usage from typical verbs. The chapter also outlines their grammatical features and explains how to differentiate similar ones.

This chapter introduces the term Chinese and the differences between Mandarin and Chinese dialects. There are seven major dialects: Northern dialect, Cantonese, Wu, Xiang, Gan, Min, and Hakka in China. The variation between these dialects causes comprehension problems in oral communication, and as such, Mandarin (Chinese in this book), which is based on the Northern dialect as a national standard language, has become popular in present-day China.

The optional component of complements in a sentence is introduced in this chapter. Information on the meaning and structure of various complements, especially when and how they are used, are provided.

This chapter aims to build an understanding of the differences between words and characters in Chinese by introducing the ways that words and Chinese characters are formed. Particular attention is paid to learning and writing Chinese characters.

This chapter gives an overview of the grammatical features of Chinese adjectives and how to use them, specifically the way they can be used as the main predicate in a sentence. The forms and functions of the reduplication of adjectives are also discussed.