Progressive Compound: 连……也/都……更/要……
连……也/都……，……更/要……
Build a logical progression from an extreme example to an even stronger conclusion using 连……也/都……更/要……
First, present an extreme case using 连……也/都 to establish a baseline. Then, use 更 or 要 to draw an even stronger conclusion about another subject. The logic is: "Even X can't do it / does it, so Y even more so."
This is an extension of the basic 连……也/都 pattern you learned earlier. The addition of 更/要 in the second clause creates a powerful logical argument. 更 means "even more" and 要 means "would" — both intensify the conclusion.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Progressive Compound: 连……也/都……更/要…… (连……也/都……，……更/要……)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 连……也/都……，……更/要…… pattern
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Understanding 连……也/都……，……更/要……
This pattern is a masterpiece of Chinese logical argumentation. It works by establishing an extreme case first, then drawing an even stronger conclusion. When you say 连大人也做不到，孩子更做不到, the logic is crystal clear: "If even adults cannot do it, children certainly cannot do it either — even less so." The power comes from the 连 in the first clause, which highlights the extreme example, and the 更/要 in the second clause, which amplifies the conclusion. This pattern is invaluable in debates, persuasive writing, and everyday arguments. It is a favorite tool of Chinese speakers for making irrefutable points.
Key Points
- 连 (lián) highlights an extreme or unexpected example — "even."
- 也/都 in the first clause confirms what is true of the extreme case.
- 更 (gèng) = "even more so" — strengthens the conclusion logically.
- 要 (yào) = "would / will" — can replace 更 with similar effect.
- The logic flows from extreme → conclusion: if even X, then Y all the more.
- 更是 can be used for extra emphasis: 孩子们更是喜欢得不得了.
- The subjects of the two clauses are different — the second subject is the "less extreme" case.
This rhetorical pattern reflects the Chinese tradition of using extreme examples to make persuasive arguments. In classical Chinese debate (论辩 lùnbiàn), establishing an undeniable extreme case and then extending the logic was considered the highest form of argumentation.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
连大人也做不到，孩子更做不到。
Even adults cannot do it — children can do it even less.
Extreme → stronger conclusion
连老人也喜欢看，孩子们更是喜欢得不得了。
Even elderly people like watching it — children like it even more.
更是 adds extra emphasis
连专家都解决不了这个问题，我们更不可能了。
Even experts cannot solve this problem — we certainly cannot.
连本地人都会迷路，外地人要更小心了。
Even locals get lost — outsiders need to be even more careful.
连老师都觉得这道题难，学生更不用说了。
Even the teacher finds this question difficult — needless to say for students.
更不用说 = needless to say
连她这么有耐心的人都受不了，别人更受不了。
Even someone as patient as her cannot stand it — others can stand it even less.
Common Mistakes
The extreme example (the one that is more surprising) goes in the 连 clause. Adults failing is more surprising than children failing, so adults go first.
The second clause needs 更 (even more so) to complete the progressive logic. Using 也 just states a parallel fact without the logical escalation.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Always put the MORE extreme/surprising example in the 连 clause. Ask: "Which case is more unexpected?"
The phrase 更不用说了 (needless to say) is a powerful closer for the second clause.
This pattern is excellent for persuasive essays — establish an extreme case, then make your point.
Practice by choosing pairs: expert/beginner, adult/child, local/foreigner, strong person/weak person.
Homework
Write five sentences using 连……也/都……更/要……. Choose five pairs of contrasting subjects (e.g., expert vs. beginner) and build logical arguments. Use 更不用说了 in at least one sentence.