把【bǎ】

把 takes the object of the verb and puts it in front of the verb. The sentence then says what is done to that object – where it ends up, or what state it's left in.

The order is subject, 把, object, verb, then whatever follows the verb.

The verb can't stand alone

The verb after 把 needs something after it: 了, a result such as 完, a place, or a person. A bare verb leaves the sentence unfinished.

• × 我把门关 → 我把门关了
• × 我把书放 → 我把书放在桌子上

Putting things somewhere

Most 把 sentences at this level move something to a place or a person: 放在, 送到, 给.

A particular object

The object of 把 is something both speakers can pick out – this book, the door, your phone. "A book" in general doesn't take 把.

• × 我把一本书看了 → 我看了一本书

没 and 别 go before 把

Negation and words like 别 go in front of 把, not in front of the verb.

• × 我把作业没做完 → 我没把作业做完