如果说…，那么…
if A is X, then B is Y: grants one point in order to set a weightier one beside it
Structure
如果说 A 是／做的是 X ， 那么 B （则／就）是 Y
What it means
Not a real condition: the writer grants a familiar point A as true and uses it as a stepping stone to a parallel, usually weightier point B.
How it is built
如果说 A 是 X，那么 B（则／就／才）是 Y, both halves built alike: 如果说立法只是第一步，那么严格执法才是真正的考验 (If passing a law is only the first step, strict enforcement is the real test).
When to use it
A favourite of editorials, speeches and analytical journalism; 则, 就 or 才 after 那么 sharpen the contrast. For a true condition (“supposing that”) use 如果…就… without 说.
Watch out
Common slips: dropping 那么, or making the halves unrelated so the parallel is lost. Mirror the structure: 管的是作风…改的则是制度.
Examples
如果说八项规定管的是作风，那么2018年的监察体制改革改的则是制度。
If the eight-point rules dealt with conduct, the reform of the supervision system in 2018 changed the institutions themselves.
如果说上世纪八十年代的关键词是“开放”，那么今天的关键词就是“创新”。
If the watchword of the 1980s was “opening up”, today’s is “innovation”.
如果说立法只是第一步，那么严格执法才是真正的考验。
If passing a law is only the first step, enforcing it strictly is the real test.
Learn this in Lesson 197 · HSK 7–9: 监察委员会 (The supervision commissions)
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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