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Grammar Notes for lesson 20

Potential verb phrases

A potential verb phrase is used to indicate that an action can or cannot be achieved. It is formed from a verb of action with 得 de  [for affirmative] or 不 bù [for negative] and is followed by a resultative or directional word, as in 吃 得 完 chī de wán  to be able to finish eating.  走 不 进 去 zǒu bu jìn qù to be unable to walk in.
Most resultative or directional verb phrases can be turned into potential verb phrases by inserting  得 de or 不 bù between the verb and its resultative or directional word. But some potential verb phrases such as 对 不 起 duì bùqǐ are only used as idiomatic expressions. (See lesson 8)

Potential verb phrases

A potential verb phrase is used to indicate that an action can or cannot be achieved. It is formed from a verb of action with 得 de  [for affirmative] or 不 bù [for negative] and is followed by a resultative or directional word, as in 吃 得 完 chī de wán  to be able to finish eating.  走 不 进 去 zǒu bu jìn qù to be unable to walk in.
Most resultative or directional verb phrases can be turned into potential verb phrases by inserting  得 de or 不 bù between the verb and its resultative or directional word. But some potential verb phrases such as 对 不 起 duì bùqǐ are only used as idiomatic expressions. (See lesson 8)