Chinese Grammar Core Course — Unit 19
Unit 19
Connectors and logical flow
Because–therefore, although–but, and if–then pairs make the relationship visible. Do not use both halves mechanically when context already makes one clear.
Use connectors to state the relationship between ideas instead of relying only on intonation. Particles then adjust how direct, shared, or tentative the utterance sounds.
Do not translate word by word. First identify the main verb, then attach time, place, negation, or aspect in the order shown by the pattern.
Pattern to hear
你去吗？我想一想。
Meaning in context: Are you going? Let me think for a moment.
How to use it
Because–therefore, although–but, and if–then pairs make the relationship visible. Do not use both halves mechanically when context already makes one clear.
虽然很累，但是他还是工作。
Use connectors to state the relationship between ideas instead of relying only on intonation. Particles then adjust how direct, shared, or tentative the utterance sounds.
Do not translate word by word. First identify the main verb, then attach time, place, negation, or aspect in the order shown by the pattern.
Self-check
- How to use it
- Say the logical relation before adding a particle. A connector should make cause, contrast, or condition recoverable on the page.
- Build it yourself
- Link six short facts into two spoken explanations and soften one request with a particle or reduplication.
- Self-check
- Can a listener identify the relation without relying on your intonation?
Contrast and decision
For English speakers, the main adjustment is not basic SVO order but keeping time, place, aspect markers, and complements in their Chinese positions.
What to notice: Connectors and logical flow
More examples to read aloud
- 快一点儿吧。
- 他来了。
- 看看这个。
Read the pattern, cover the translation, and rebuild the sentence from its meaning. Return to the detailed articles for exceptions and nuance.
Build it yourself
Join four short facts into two cause, contrast, and condition sentences.
用因为所以、虽然但是或如果就连接两件事。
Check the answer only after you have said or written your version.
Self-check
Model and reason
Because–therefore, although–but, and if–then pairs make the relationship visible. Do not use both halves mechanically when context already makes one clear.
因为下雨，所以我没去。
Read the pattern, cover the translation, and rebuild the sentence from its meaning. Return to the detailed articles for exceptions and nuance.