In so-called pivot constructions (jiānyǔ jiégòu 兼語結構; alternatively called “telescopic constructions”), the subject of the second predicate is at the same time the object of the first predicate. For instance:
| 1. | 司令員命令部隊出發。 |
|
| Sīlìngyuán mìnglìng bùduì chūfā. |
|
| commander order troops set.out |
|
| ‘The commander ordered the troops to set out.’ |
Example (1) has the configuration: Noun1 (commander) + Verb1 (order) + Noun2 (troops) + Verb2 (set out). Noun2 bùduì 部隊 ‘troops’ in the structure is not only the object of Verb1 but also the subject of Verb2. Ther…