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How to state the effect before the cause with 之所以 (zhīsuǒyǐ)

之所以 (zhīsuǒyǐ)⋯⋯，是因为 (shì yīnwèi) / 是为了 (shì wèile) / 是想 (shì xiǎng)⋯⋯

Stating the effect before the cause

HSK 5Cause/Effect Statements

Rule structure

Normally cause precedes effect, but Chinese can also state the effect first, followed by 是因为 (shì yīnwèi) to emphasize the cause. This structure highlights the reason after presenting the outcome.

Examples

他之所以没来，是因为生病了。

Tā zhīsuǒyǐ méi lái, shì yīnwèi shēngbìng le.

The reason he didn't come is that he was sick.

Practice

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Frequently asked questions

How do you express “Stating the effect before the cause” in Chinese?

Use the structure: 之所以 (zhīsuǒyǐ)⋯⋯，是因为 (shì yīnwèi) / 是为了 (shì wèile) / 是想 (shì xiǎng)⋯⋯. For example: 他之所以没来，是因为生病了。 — “The reason he didn't come is that he was sick.”.

What is an example sentence with this grammar rule?

他之所以没来，是因为生病了。 — “The reason he didn't come is that he was sick.”.

Which HSK level includes this grammar rule?

This grammar rule is part of HSK 5.

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More HSK 5 grammar rules

Complement "-坏了 (huàile)"

Verb / Adj. + 坏了 (huàile)

Expressing "what if" with "万一 (wànyī)"

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Expressing "even if…" with "就是 (jiùshì)"

就是 (jiùshì)⋯⋯，也 (yě)⋯⋯

Continuing state with "还 (hái)…呢 (ne)"

Subj. + 还 (hái) + Predicate + 呢 (ne)

Expressing "related to…" with "有关的 (yǒuguān de)"

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Adjectival complement "得很 (de hěn)"

Adj. + 得很 (de hěn)

Expressing "how about" with "要不 (yàobù)"

要不 (yàobù) + Suggestion / Option

Using "来 (lái)" and "去 (qù)" when "verbing around"

Verb 1 + 来 (lái) + Verb 1 + 去 (qù)