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 suǒyǐ bù xǐhuan tā shì yīnwèi tā tài fēngkuáng 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。Wǒmen zhī suǒyǐ chídào le shì yīnwèi lùshang dǔchē.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。Xiǎopéngyou zhī suǒyǐ kū shì yīnwèi wǒ méiyǒu gěi tā mǎi qiǎokèlì.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 suǒyǐ méi gàosù nǐ shì wèile bù ràng nǐ dānxīn.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。Wǒmen zhī suǒyǐ bǎomì shì xiǎng gěi tā yī gè jīngxǐ.The reason why we kept it a secret is that we wanted to give her a surprise.