被……所……
to be V-ed by … (formal passive)
Structure
主语 ＋ 被／为 ＋ 施事 ＋ 所 ＋ 双音节动词
What it means
To be V-ed by …: 所 gives the passive a formal, written tone.
How it is built
Subject + 被／为 + doer + 所 + two-syllable verb: 很多读者被这个故事所打动 (Many readers were moved by the story).
When to use it
Formal writing; in speech just say 被. 为…所… (lesson 4-2) is older still and survives in fixed phrases such as 不为人知 and 为人所知.
Watch out
所 goes straight before a two-syllable verb, and nothing follows the verb: no 了, no object, no complement. ✗被他所打了 ✓被他所发现.
Examples
这一推论很快被国际学界所接受。
The inference was soon accepted by the international academic community.
很多读者被这个故事所打动。
Many readers were moved by the story.
这块头骨的价值长期不为人所重视。
For a long time nobody appreciated the value of the skull.
Learn this in Lesson 125 · HSK 7–9: 哈尔滨头骨之谜 (Interview: the Harbin skull)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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