A的A，B的B for “Some Do This, Some Do That”
Use 走的走，留的留 to paint a lively picture of a group splitting up, with some people doing one thing and others doing another.
Pattern
A + 的 + A，B + 的 + B（，C + 的 + C）
Repeating each verb around 的 describes a group splitting up: some people do A, others do B.
下课以后，同学们走的走，留的留。
When to use A的A，B的B for “Some Do This, Some Do That”
Take a verb, put 的 after it, then say the verb again: 走的走 means “those who were leaving left.” Add a second part with a different verb, 留的留, “those who were staying stayed,” and you get a picture of a group going in different directions.
下课以后，同学们走的走，留的留，教室里一下子安静了。
After class, some students left and some stayed, and the classroom suddenly went quiet.
晚会上，大家唱的唱，跳的跳，热闹极了。
At the party, some people sang and some danced. It was really lively.
周末的公园里，散步的散步，跑步的跑步。
In the park at the weekend, some people are taking a walk and some are jogging.
放假了，大家回家的回家，旅游的旅游，宿舍里没剩几个人。
The holidays started. Some went home, some went travelling, and hardly anyone was left in the dorm.
Common traps
- Say the same word on both sides of 的: 走的走, not 走的去.
- Use it for a group of people or things, not for one person.
- Don’t mix the two patterns: say 有的走，有的留 or 走的走，留的留.
Targeted drill
Practice this exact pattern before moving on.
Keep this pattern in review.
You just practiced a real grammar card. Create a free account to save this pattern, schedule the next review, and keep studying from where you left off.
$9.99
Monthly
Per month
Best Value
$49.99
Yearly Unlimited
Per year
$119.99
Lifetime
One-time