When learning Chinese, many foreign learners find that even after mastering vocabulary, certain grammar patterns continue to create confusion. These recurring mistakes often come from applying English logic to Chinese sentence structures, resulting in expressions that sound unnatural to native speakers.
Below is a refined list of the ten most common errors, along with clear explanations and corrected examples, to help you improve accuracy and confidence in real communication.
1. Using “是 (shì)” Before an Adjective
In Chinese, adjectives can function like verbs, so we do not use “是” before them.
Incorrect: 她是漂亮。Tā shì piàoliang.
Correct: 她很漂亮。Tā hěn piàoliang.
Tip: 很 often functions as a natural connector, not always meaning “very.”
2. Using Degree Adverbs in Comparative Sentences
The structure “A 比 B…” cannot include degree adverbs like 很 or 非常.
Incorrect: 她比我很高。Tā bǐ wǒ hěn gāo.
Correct: 她比我高很多。Tā bǐ wǒ gāo hěn duō.
Tip: Use “多了/一点儿/很多” to show degree in comparisons.
3. Overusing “和” as a Sentence Connector
“和” is mainly used to connect nouns, not clauses.
Incorrect: 我去了书店和我买了一本书。Wǒ qùle shūdiàn hé wǒ mǎile yì běn shū.
Correct: 我去了书店，然后买了一本书。Wǒ qùle shūdiàn, ránhòu mǎile yì běn shū.
Tip: For actions, use 然后、接着、后来.
4. Misusing “都” in Place of “所有”
“都” is used with plural subjects, not before nouns alone.
Incorrect: 我喜欢都的水果。Wǒ xǐhuan dōu de shuǐguǒ.
Correct: 我喜欢所有的水果。Wǒ xǐhuan suǒyǒu de shuǐguǒ.
Tip: “都” should follow the subject and precede the verb.
5. Missing Directional Words After Locations
Chinese location phrases usually require a directional word such as 上、里、旁边.
Incorrect: 书在桌子。Shū zài zhuōzi.
Correct: 书在桌子上。Shū zài zhuōzi shàng.
Tip: Without directional words, the location sounds incomplete.
6. Adding an Object Directly to a Separable Verb (离合词)
Many common verbs split apart and cannot take an object directly.
Incorrect: 我昨天见面了我的朋友。 Wǒ zuótiān jiànmiànle wǒ de péngyou.
Correct: 我昨天和我的朋友见面了。Wǒ zuótiān hé wǒ de péngyou jiànmiànle.
Tip: Common separable verbs include 见面、跳舞、帮忙、休息.
7. Putting Time Words at the End of the Sentence
Time adverbials typically appear before the verb.
Incorrect: 他买了一本书昨天。Tā mǎile yì běn shū zuótiān.
Correct: 他昨天买了一本书。Tā zuótiān mǎile yì běn shū.
Tip: Standard structure: 时间 + 地点 + 主语 + 动作.
8. Putting Place Adverbials at the End
Place words also go before the verb.
Incorrect: 他买了一本书在书店。Tā mǎile yì běn shū zài shūdiàn.
Correct: 他在书店买了一本书。Tā zài shūdiàn mǎile yì běn shū.
Tip: Time and place both come before the verb but time usually comes first.
9. Missing or Using the Wrong Measure Words (量词)
Measure words are essential in Chinese and cannot be omitted.
Incorrect: 我有三书。Wǒ yǒu sān shū.
Correct: 我有三本书。Wǒ yǒu sān běn shū.
Tip: 本、个、只、条、张 are the most common.
10. Incorrect Placement of “一点儿 (a little)” Before Adjectives
“一点儿” usually follows a verb or is used in comparisons, not directly before most adjectives.
Incorrect: 这个手机一点儿贵。Zhège shǒujī yìdiǎnr guì.
Correct: 这个手机有点儿贵。Zhè gè shǒujī yǒu diǎnr guì.
Tip: 有点儿 often expresses a slight negative feeling.
