Fixed Pattern: 以……为……
以……为……
Use the classical pattern 以……为…… to express "take/regard A as B"
以……为…… means "take A as B / regard A as B / make A the B." It is a classical Chinese pattern that remains very common in modern formal Chinese. A is the object or focus, and B is the role, standard, or priority assigned to it.
以 = "take / use / with" (classical). 为 = "as / to be" (classical). Common collocations: 以学习为主 (prioritize studying), 以自己为中心 (self-centered), 以质量为标准 (take quality as the standard).
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Fixed Pattern: 以……为…… (以……为……)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 以……为…… pattern
New here?
Understanding 以……为……
The pattern 以……为…… comes from classical Chinese but is alive and well in modern usage, especially in formal speech, news, slogans, and written Chinese. It means "take A as B" or "regard A as B." For example, 以学习为主 means "take studying as the main thing" (i.e., prioritize studying). 以自己为中心 means "take oneself as the center" (i.e., be self-centered). This pattern is extremely productive — you can create countless meaningful phrases by filling in A and B. It appears in mottos, company slogans, political speeches, and everyday formal expression. Common B-fillers include 主 (main priority), 中心 (center), 标准 (standard), 基础 (foundation), 目标 (goal), and 荣 (honor). Mastering this pattern is essential for advanced reading comprehension and formal writing.
Key Points
- 以 + A + 为 + B = "take A as B / regard A as B."
- Classical origin, modern formal usage.
- Very common in slogans, mottos, news, and formal writing.
- Common B-words: 主 (main), 中心 (center), 标准 (standard), 基础 (basis), 荣 (honor), 耻 (shame).
- Can also form 以……为……的 as an attributive: 以学生为中心的教学 (student-centered teaching).
- Negative form: 不能以……为…… (cannot take A as B).
This pattern is everywhere in Chinese public life. Government slogans like 以人民为中心 (people-centered) and school mottos like 以德为先 (virtue first) use it constantly. Recognizing this pattern helps you decode Chinese public discourse.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
我们不能以自己为中心，要多考虑别人的感受。
We cannot be self-centered; we should consider others' feelings more.
他总是以学习为主，不太关注其他事情。
He always prioritizes studying and doesn't pay much attention to other things.
这家公司以质量为标准，从不偷工减料。
This company takes quality as its standard and never cuts corners.
以诚信为本，才能赢得别人的信任。
Only by taking honesty as the foundation can you win others' trust.
我们学校以培养学生的创新能力为目标。
Our school takes cultivating students' innovative ability as its goal.
他以助人为乐，经常帮助邻居。
He takes helping others as his joy and often helps his neighbors.
Common Mistakes
The order is fixed: 以 comes first, then A, then 为, then B. Do not reverse 以 and 为.
In this pattern, use 为 (classical "as"), not 是 (modern "is"). The pattern is 以…为…, not 以…是….
Do not confuse 以为 (to mistakenly think) with the pattern 以……为…… (to take as). They are completely different.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Memorize common collocations: 以人为本, 以学习为主, 以诚信为本, 以助人为乐.
Do not confuse the pattern 以……为…… with 以为 (to mistakenly think) — they are completely different.
This pattern makes your Chinese sound formal and polished — use it in essays and presentations.
Try creating your own life motto using this pattern: 以……为…….
Homework
Create your own personal motto or life philosophy using 以……为…… and write a short paragraph (100 characters) explaining why you chose those values.