Written for beginning learners of the language, this concise introduction to Chinese grammar assumes only a basic knowledge of Chinese, and no knowledge of grammatical terminology and practices. Comparing Chinese grammar patterns and rules with those of English, and illustrated with a wealth of real-life examples, it allows learners to understand the similarities and differences between the two languages. Using engaging and accessible language, it examines the Chinese sound system, writing system, word formation rules, parts of speech, and simple and complex sentences, as well as explaining special constructions that are typically challenging to second language learners. Each chapter begins with clear learning goals and ends with a useful summary highlighting the chapter's main points. To call attention to specific issues, sidebars are interspersed throughout the text, and exercises within the book and online answer keys help students to reinforce learned material and assist with self-study.

• Preface
• Glossary of grammar terms and abbreviations
• The meanings of special symbols
• Unit I. Introduction: 1. Chinese and Mandarin
• 2. Chinese grammar
• 3. Sound system
• 4. Words and Chinese characters
• Unit II. Parts of Speech: 5. Introduction of parts of speech in Chinese
• 6. Nouns
• 7. Numbers
• 8. Measure words (Classifiers)
• 9. Pronouns
• 10. Verbs
• 11. Modal verbs
• 12. Adjectives
• 13. Adverbs
• 14. Prepositions
• 15. Conjunctions
• 16. Particles
• Unit III. Simple Sentences: 17. Introduction to simple sentences
• 18. Elements of a sentence (1): subject and predicate
• 19. Elements of a sentence (2): object
• 20. Elements of a sentence (3): Complement
• 21. Elements of a sentence (4): Attributive and adverbial
• Unit IV. Special Sentences: 22. The ba construction
• 23. The bei construction
• 24. Questions
• 25. Comparisons
• 26. Existential sentences
• 27. Emphatic sentences
• Unit V. Complicated Sentences: 28. Compound sentences
• 29. Complex sentences
• Appendices.