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    Chinese Grammar

    Head combined with a second complement

    Manner & Method
    Sequence & Order

    Explanation

    In Chinese, certain verbs can take two complements in a ditransitive construction where the typical argument order is rearranged. This pattern occurs when a verb combines with a second complement, often resulting in a reordered structure compared to the default word order. This construction is common with verbs like 提供 (to provide) that take both a recipient and a theme.

    Examples

    • 老师提供了学生们很多有用的资料。

      lǎoshī tígōng le xuéshēngmen hěn duō yǒuyòng de zīliào.

      The teacher provided the students with a lot of useful materials.

    • 公司提供了员工免费的午餐。

      gōngsī tígōng le yuángōng miǎnfèi de wǔcān.

      The company provided employees with free lunch.

    • 她送了妈妈一束漂亮的花。

      tā sòng le māma yī shù piàoliang de huā.

      She gave her mom a beautiful bouquet of flowers.