因…而…
because of … (and so); owing to
Structure
主语 因 原因 而 结果(动词短语)
What it means
“Because of … (and so)”: packs cause and result into one tight, formal clause.
How it is built
Subject + 因 + cause + 而 + resulting verb phrase: 比赛因大雨而推迟到了明天 (because of the heavy rain, the match was put off until tomorrow).
When to use it
Written and formal; in speech say 因为…所以…. Set phrases: 因人而异 (varies from person to person), 因地而异, 因时而异.
Watch out
Subject first, and no new clause after 而: ✗ 因下雨,而比赛推迟了。 ✓ 比赛因下雨而推迟了。 Never pair it with 所以 (✗ 因…所以…).
Examples
一些大熊猫因找不到食物而饿死。
Some pandas starved because they could find nothing to eat.
这座小城因一部电视剧而出了名。
This small town became famous because of a television series.
比赛因大雨而推迟到了明天。
Because of the heavy rain, the match has been put off until tomorrow.
Learn this in Lesson 24 · HSK 5: 大熊猫:从濒危到易危 (How the giant panda was saved)
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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