Putting the Thing First

Level 3

An object can be placed first as the topic: This book, I read already. The comment says what holds about that topic, and the ordinary subject-first version remains possible.

How It Works

A thing can be mentioned first as the topic and then described in a comment. This book, I read already puts the book in view before saying that I have read it. The ordinary object position is unspoken in the following comment.

The topic gives the listener a frame; it is not a rule to reverse every English sentence. The thing must fit the action in the comment. This book, I read already concerns reading that book. If a following pronoun refers to a different thing, make that distinction clear. Pauses and context help show where the topic ends and the comment begins.

Examples (4)

  1. This book, I read already.

    I have read this book.

  2. That blue shirt, I don't want.

    I do not want that blue shirt.

  3. The spare key, Mei got.

    Mei has the spare key.

  4. Your message, I saw just now.

    I saw your message earlier.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

Putting the Thing FirstLevel 3

Learn This First

Recognize ordinary object position before making that same referent the initial topic.

Learn Next

Patterns that build on this one.