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    Chinese Grammar

    Sentence fragments as utterances

    Topic & Focus

    Explanation

    A sentence fragment in Chinese is an incomplete grammatical structure that functions as a standalone utterance in context. Fragments often omit the subject, verb, or other expected elements but remain understandable through context, prior discourse, or shared knowledge. They are common in conversation, headlines, and informal writing.

    Examples

    • 什么时候的?

      Shénme shíhou de?

      When is it?

    • 从周五到周六,早晨七点。

      Cóng zhōuwǔ dào zhōuliù, zǎochén qī diǎn.

      From Friday to Saturday, at seven in the morning.

    • 太好了,没问题。

      Tài hǎo le, méi wèntí.

      Great, no problem.

    Sentence fragments as utterances | Chinese Grammar