Written Chinese Sentence Patterns

Written Chinese Sentence Patterns

Formal Chinese uses specific sentence openers and connectors that rarely appear in speech. These come from classical Chinese (文言文) and create a polished, authoritative tone.

High-frequency formal openers

• 鉴于 + situation → action taken
• 鉴于近期市场波动，本公司决定调整策略。
• "Given recent market volatility, the company has decided to adjust its strategy."
• 基于 + basis → conclusion
• 基于以上数据，我们可以得出以下结论。
• "Based on the above data, we can draw the following conclusions."
• 就...而言 → narrowing focus
• 就经济影响而言，该政策利大于弊。
• "In terms of economic impact, this policy does more good than harm."

Formal conclusion phrases

• 综上所述 — to sum up all the above (strongest, formal essays)
• 由此可见 — from this, it can be seen (for logical deductions)
• 据此 — based on this (legal/official documents)
• 有鉴于此 — in light of this (slightly literary)

所谓 — precision tool

所谓 means "the so-called" or "what is referred to as." It introduces a term that needs defining or questioning:

• 所谓"可持续发展"，并非简单的节能减排。
• "What is called 'sustainable development' is not simply saving energy and reducing emissions."