Cause/Effect StatementsHSK 5
Stating the effect before the cause
Use 之所以 before the effect and 是因为, 是为了, or 是想 before the cause to emphasize the reason. This pattern is formal, often used in written Chinese or serious speech. Note that the subject often comes before 之所以, but dropping it can make the sentence vague.
Structure
Subj. + 之所以 + Effect, 是 + 因为 / 为了 / 想 + Cause
因为 states a reason; 为了 and 想 express purpose.
Examples
- 我之所以不喜欢他是因为他太疯狂了。Wǒ zhī suǒ yǐ bù xǐ huan tā shì yīn wèi tā tài fēng kuáng le.The reason why I don't like him is because he's too crazy.
- 我们之所以迟到了是因为路上堵车。Wǒ men zhī suǒ yǐ chí dào le shì yīn wèi lù shang dǔ chē.The reason we were late is because we were stuck in a traffic jam.
- 小朋友之所以哭是因为我没有给她买巧克力。Xiǎo péng yǒu zhī suǒ yǐ kū shì yīn wèi wǒ méi yǒu gěi tā mǎi qiǎo kè lì.The reason the child is crying is because I didn't buy her chocolate.
- 我之所以没告诉你是为了不让你担心。Wǒ zhī suǒ yǐ méi gào sù nǐ shì wèi le bú ràng nǐ dān xīn.The reason I didn't tell you is that I didn't want you to worry.
- 我们之所以保密是想给她一个惊喜。Wǒ men zhī suǒ yǐ bǎo mì shì xiǎng gěi tā yí gè jīng xǐ.The reason why we kept it a secret is that we wanted to give her a surprise.