凡是…都…
every …; anything that …, without exception
Structure
凡是 一类事物 , 都/一律 …
What it means
Every …; anything that …, without exception: defines a whole class, then says something true of all of it.
How it is built
凡是 + class (often …的人/东西),(subject) + 都/一律 + …: 凡是去过那儿的人,都说风景很美 (Everyone who has been there says the scenery is beautiful).
When to use it
Formal-leaning; 凡 alone is more written: 凡本店会员. Plain spoken: 所有…都… or 只要是…都….
Watch out
The main clause needs 都, 一律 or 没有不: ✗ 凡是学生可以参加 ✓ 凡是学生都可以参加. 凡是 goes at the very front, never after the subject.
Examples
凡是劳动力密集的产品,几乎都能在中国找到工厂。
For virtually any labour-intensive product you can find a factory in China.
凡是去过那儿的人,都说风景很美。
Everyone who has been there says the scenery is beautiful.
Learn this in Lesson 55 · HSK 6: 新能源与中国制造 (Electric cars and the new factory floor)
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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