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)⋯⋯
之所以 (zhī suǒ yǐ) — stating effect before cause
之所以 (zhīsuǒyǐ)⋯⋯，是因为 (shì yīnwèi) / 是为了 (shì wèile) / 是想 (shì xiǎng)⋯⋯
HSK 5Cause/Effect Statements之所以 (zhī suǒ yǐ) — stating effect before cause
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.
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.
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.
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Frequently asked questions
How do you say “stating effect before cause” in Chinese with 之所以?
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
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