Passive Sentence 5: 被……所…… & 为……所……
被动句5
Use the literary passive patterns 被……所…… and 为……所…… in formal Chinese
被……所…… and 为……所…… are literary passive constructions. 被 or 为 introduces the agent, and 所 precedes the verb, creating an elevated, formal tone. 为……所…… is more classical and literary than 被……所…….
所 is a classical Chinese particle that nominalizes or emphasizes the verb. In this pattern, it adds formality and gravity. 为 is the classical equivalent of 被. The negative form is 不为……所…… (not V-ed by).
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Passive Sentence 5: 被……所…… & 为……所…… (被动句5)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 被动句5 pattern
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Understanding 被动句5
You already know basic passive sentences with 被 (他被老师批评了). Now we advance to two literary passive patterns that add elegance and gravity to your Chinese. 被……所…… places 所 before the verb for emphasis: 被一个人所吸引 (attracted by a person). 为……所…… uses the classical 为 instead of 被: 为人类社会所不容 (not tolerated by human society). These patterns are common in formal writing, literary texts, news articles, and official statements. The negative form 不为……所…… is particularly useful: 不为人所知 (not known by people), 不为困难所吓倒 (not intimidated by difficulties). Mastering these patterns elevates your written Chinese to a truly advanced level.
Key Points
- 被 + agent + 所 + V = literary passive with 被.
- 为 + agent + 所 + V = classical passive with 为 (more literary).
- 所 adds formality and emphasis before the verb.
- Negative: 不为 + agent + 所 + V = "not V-ed by."
- Common in formal writing, news, literary texts, and speeches.
- Often used with abstract agents: 为社会所接受, 被世人所遗忘.
These patterns trace directly back to classical Chinese (文言文). Using them in modern writing demonstrates deep literacy and a refined writing style. They are particularly valued in Chinese journalism and academic writing.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
这是我第一次感到自己被一个人所吸引。
This was the first time I felt attracted by someone.
他这种行为，为人类社会所不容。
This kind of behavior of his is not tolerated by human society.
领导的这种做法往往不为人所信任。
This kind of approach by leaders is often not trusted by people.
他的才华为世人所公认。
His talent is publicly recognized by the world.
这个观点已经被学术界所接受。
This viewpoint has already been accepted by the academic community.
她的美丽为所有人所赞叹。
Her beauty is admired by everyone.
不要被困难所吓倒。
Don't be intimidated by difficulties.
Common Mistakes
The order is: 为 + agent + 所 + verb. 所 must come directly before the verb, not before 为.
Do not insert 了 between 所 and the verb. This literary pattern does not use 了 within the 所 + V structure. Also, the verbs used tend to be more abstract (喜爱, 接受, 吸引) rather than concrete actions.
The 为……所…… pattern is literary and used with abstract or formal contexts. For concrete, everyday actions like "hit," use standard 被.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Use 为……所…… in formal essays and literary writing for an elegant tone.
The negative 不为……所…… is very useful: 不为人所知 (unknown), 不为困难所吓倒 (undaunted by difficulties).
Stick to abstract or significant verbs (吸引, 接受, 公认, 敬佩) — avoid everyday actions.
Practice reading classical Chinese passages to internalize this pattern naturally.
Homework
Write five sentences using 被……所…… or 为……所…… about historical figures, cultural achievements, or social phenomena, including at least two negative forms (不为……所……).