所有
Structure: 所有的 + Noun + 都 + Adjective Meaning: “所有的… 都…” (suǒyǒu… dōu…) is a pattern used to refer to “every” or “all” of a noun, with the quantity of said noun usually being fairly large. Examples: 所有 的…
不但……而且……
Structure: Subject + 不但 + Adj./Verb, 而且 + Adj./Verb Meaning: “不但⋯⋯，而且⋯⋯” (bùdàn…, érqiě…) is a very commonly used pattern that indicates “not only, … but also….” Examples: 这种菜不但好吃，而且有营养。 …
对
Structure: 对 + Object + Verb phrase Meaning: When using 对 (duì) as a preposition, it is used to indicate “to” or “towards” a object or target. As with all…
可是
Structure: Clause 1 + 不过 + Clause 2 Meaning: Instead of just using 可是 or 但是, you can also use the softer and more informal 不过 (búguò). The meaning is…
以来
Structure with 以来 Structure: Time or Event + 以来 Meaning: To express “ever since”, all one needs to do is put “以来” (yǐlái) after a specific event or time. It…
差点儿
Structure: Subject + 差点 (儿) + [verb phrase] + 了 Meaning: It might help to understand the literal meaning of the structure. The word 差 (chà) has a lot of…
就
Structure: Subject + Time + 就 + Verb + Object Meaning: Just as 才 can express lateness, 就 (jiù) can be used to indicate that something happened earlier than expected.…
幸亏/幸好
Structure with 幸亏 幸亏/幸好 + accidental reasons Meaning: 幸亏 (xìngkuī), 幸好 (xìnghǎo), and 好在 (hǎozài) mean “fortunately” or “luckily”. They can be used to express that something has happened by…
