C2 Advanced Patterns 13 min read Hard

Classical Rhetoric: What is there to [verb]? (何...之有)

Use 何...之有 to sound sophisticated and decisively dismiss problems with a classical rhetorical flourish.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use '何...之有' to express a rhetorical 'What is there to [verb]?' implying that nothing exists to be [verb]ed.

  • Place the object between 何 and 之 to emphasize the rhetorical nature.
  • The verb follows the structure, often implying a negative result.
  • Use this only in formal, literary, or highly sophisticated contexts.
何 + [Object] + 之 + [Verb]

Overview

Derived from Classical Chinese (文言文), the rhetorical pattern 何...之有 (hé... zhī yǒu) is a sophisticated, C2-level structure used to express emphatic negation. It is a linguistic fossil, preserving an ancient grammatical form within Modern Mandarin.

Its primary function is not to ask a question, but to dismiss a perceived difficulty, fear, concern, or accusation with unwavering confidence. It translates most naturally as, "What [X] is there to speak of?" or more simply, "There is no [X] at all."

While you've likely mastered modern structures for rhetorical negation like 有什么...可...的 (yǒu shénme... kě... de), the 何...之有 pattern operates on a much higher formal and literary register.

Employing it correctly demonstrates not only advanced linguistic proficiency but also an appreciation for the historical and cultural depth of the Chinese language. Its usage often signals erudition, adds dramatic weight, or can even be used for ironic effect in contemporary contexts.

At its core, this pattern's unique structure comes from a key feature of Classical Chinese syntax: object preposing. The object of the verb 有 (yǒu, to have/exist) is moved to the front of the verb for emphasis. The interrogative pronoun 何 (hé, what) initiates the phrase, followed by the concept being negated (e.g., 难, nán, difficulty), then the crucial structural particle 之 (zhī), and finally the verb 有 (yǒu).

This fixed 何 X 之 有 sequence creates a powerful, rhythmic, and authoritative tone that sets it apart from any colloquial expression.

For example, where a casual speaker might say 有什么难的？ (yǒu shénme nán de?, What's so hard about it?), a character in a historical drama or a speaker in a formal speech might declare 何难之有？ (hé nán zhī yǒu?). Both dismiss the idea of difficulty, but the latter does so with a profound sense of finality and rhetorical force. Understanding this pattern is key to interpreting formal texts and wielding the full expressive range of advanced Chinese.

How This Grammar Works

This pattern's grammar is a direct window into the past. It operates on a principle of grammatical inversion that was common in Classical Chinese but is rare in modern Mandarin. Standard modern Chinese follows a Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) word order, as in 我有书 (wǒ yǒu shū, I have books).
The 何...之有 pattern, however, inverts this by placing the object before the verb.
Let's dissect the components to understand the mechanism:
  1. 1何 (hé) - The Rhetorical Challenge: 何 is an interrogative pronoun, usually translated as “what” or “how.” In this structure, it is not seeking an answer. Instead, it functions as a rhetorical device to challenge the very premise of the concept that follows. It's an aggressive opening that asks, "What [X] could there possibly be?" implicitly meaning there is none. In 何惧之有？ (hé jù zhī yǒu?), the 何 challenges the existence of fear itself.
  1. 1X - The Preposed Object: This is the noun or adjectival noun at the heart of the phrase—the very thing you are emphatically dismissing. A crucial stylistic rule is that this element is almost always a single character, maintaining the classical cadence. Common examples include abstract concepts like 难 (nán, difficulty), 惧 (jù, fear), 罪 (zuì, crime/guilt), or 异 (yì, difference).
  1. 1之 (zhī) - The Grammatical Pivot: This particle is the most important and often misunderstood component. In this pattern, 之 has no direct semantic meaning. It is a purely structural particle inherited from Classical Chinese. Its function is to mark the preceding word (X) as the grammatical object of the following verb (有). You can think of it as a signpost that tells your brain: "The word that just passed, 难, is the object of the verb that is coming up." It resolves the grammatical tension created by moving the object to the front. The combination X + 之 (e.g., 难之, 惧之) effectively becomes a single grammatical unit that functions as the object of 有.
  1. 1有 (yǒu) - The Verb: The final verb, 有, means "to have" or "to exist." The entire structure, 何 [Object] 之 有, comes together to rhetorically question the existence of the object.
Let's visualize the comparison between modern and classical structures:
| Language Style | Structure | Example Analysis | Translation |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Modern Mandarin | Verb-Object | 有 难 (yǒu nán) | To have difficulty |
| Classical (何...之有) | 何 + Object + 之 + Verb | 何 难 之 有 (hé nán zhī yǒu) | 难 is the object, marked by 之, preposed before the verb 有, and questioned by 何. | What difficulty is there? |
This inversion isn't arbitrary; it's for emphasis. By fronting the object, you place it in a position of focus, only to dismiss it entirely with the rhetorical force of 何 and 有. It's a powerful and dramatic linguistic maneuver.

Formation Pattern

1
The 何...之有 pattern is highly rigid. Adhering to its structure is essential for it to be recognized and have the intended effect. Any deviation will sound incorrect to a native speaker.
2
The Core Formula:
3
```
4
何 + [Monosyllabic Noun/Adjective] + 之 + 有?
5
```
6
This formula is the bedrock of the pattern. Let's break it down in a table:
7
| Component | Grammatical Role | Constraints & Notes | Example |
8
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
9
| 何 (hé) | Rhetorical Interrogative | Always at the beginning. Sets a challenging, questioning tone. | 何 |
10
| X | Preposed Object | Must be a single character. Usually an abstract concept. | 难, 惧, 罪, 妨, 异 |
11
| 之 (zhī) | Structural Particle | Mandatory. Marks X as the object of 有. Cannot be omitted or replaced. | 之 |
12
| 有 (yǒu) | Existential Verb | Always at the end. Completes the rhetorical question about existence. | 有 |
13
Commonly Used X Components:
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The choice of X is limited to a set of conventional monosyllabic words that fit the classical and abstract nature of the pattern. You can't insert just any noun.
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何难之有？ (hé nán zhī yǒu?) - What difficulty is there? (Dismissing a challenge)
16
何惧之有？ (hé jù zhī yǒu?) - What is there to fear? (Showing courage or bravado)
17
何罪之有？ (hé zuì zhī yǒu?) - What crime have I committed? (Forcefully proclaiming innocence)
18
何妨之有？ (hé fáng zhī yǒu?) - What harm could there be? (Dismissing potential negative consequences)
19
何异之有？ (hé yì zhī yǒu?) - What difference is there? (Asserting that two or more things are the same)
20
何患之有？ (hé huàn zhī yǒu?) - What is there to worry about? (A very formal way to dismiss anxiety; 患 means worry/trouble)
21
Occasionally, a short phrase can precede the pattern to provide context, most famously 与我 (yǔ wǒ):
22
与我何干之有？ (yǔ wǒ hé gān zhī yǒu?) - What business is it of mine? / What does it have to do with me? Here, 干 (gān) means 'involvement' or 'relation'. This is a very strong way to distance yourself from a matter.

When To Use It

Knowing the grammar is one thing; knowing when to deploy this pattern is what separates a proficient learner from a truly advanced speaker. Misusing it can make you sound pretentious, out of place, or even unintentionally funny. Use it sparingly and with purpose.
1. Formal & Literary Contexts
This is the pattern's natural habitat. Use it in formal speeches, academic or literary writing, and official statements to add weight and authority. It signals that the speaker is educated and is making a considered, forceful point.
  • Example (in a business presentation): 只要我们团队齐心协力，完成这个季度的目标何难之有？ (Zhǐyào wǒmen tuánduì qíxīn xiélì, wánchéng zhège jìdù de mùbiāo hé nán zhī yǒu? - As long as our team works together, what's so difficult about achieving this quarter's goals?)
2. Rhetorical Dismissal of Problems
Use this to project supreme confidence or to brush aside a concern as trivial. The tone is often bold and unwavering, making it suitable for characters in stories or for dramatic effect.
  • Example (an experienced coder looking at a simple bug): 不过是一个逻辑错误，修复它何难之有？ (Búguò shì yí ge luójí cuòwù, xiūfù tā hé nán zhī yǒu? - It's just a logic error, what difficulty is there in fixing it?)
3. Forceful Declarations of Innocence or Principle
The structure 何罪之有？ (hé zuì zhī yǒu?) is a classic tool for defiance. It's a powerful way to reject an accusation, not by pleading, but by challenging the very basis of the charge.
  • Example (in a debate or argument): 我所做的一切都是为了大家好，何罪之有？ (Wǒ suǒ zuò de yíqiè dōu shì wèile dàjiā hǎo, hé zuì zhī yǒu? - Everything I did was for the good of everyone, what crime is there in that?)
4. Ironic or Humorous Overstatement (Advanced Social Usage)
In modern, informal communication (like social media or texting among friends), this formal pattern can be used ironically. By applying such a heavy, classical structure to a trivial, everyday situation, you create a humorous, mock-heroic effect.
  • Example (a friend posts a picture of a tiny, harmless bug): 区区一只小虫，何惧之有？ (Qūqū yī zhī xiǎo chóng, hé jù zhī yǒu? - A mere insect, what is there to fear?) The contrast between the grand language and the tiny bug is the source of the humor.
Contrasting with Modern Colloquialisms
Choosing between 何...之有 and its modern equivalents is a matter of register and tone.
| Feature | 何...之有 (Classical) | 有什么...(的) (Colloquial) |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Register | High formal, literary | Informal, conversational |
| Tone | Forceful, definitive, dramatic, authoritative | Casual, reassuring, sometimes dismissive |
| Context | Speeches, formal writing, historical contexts, irony | Daily conversation, texting, informal emails |
| Example | 何难之有？ | 有什么难的？ or 这有什么难？ |
| Impression | Speaker sounds erudite, confident, or is being dramatic. | Speaker sounds relaxed and down-to-earth. |
Using 何难之有？ to reassure a friend nervous about a test might sound cold and distant; 没什么难的，你肯定行！ (méi shénme nán de, nǐ kěndìng xíng!) is far more appropriate.

Common Mistakes

Because this pattern is so rigid, learners often make a few predictable errors. Avoiding them is critical to using the structure correctly.
1. Using Polysyllabic Words for X
This is the most frequent error. The classical rhythm of the pattern demands a monosyllabic object.
  • Incorrect: *何困难之有？ (hé kùnnán zhī yǒu?)
  • Incorrect: *何危险之有？ (hé wēixiǎn zhī yǒu?)
  • Correct: 何难之有？ (hé nán zhī yǒu?)
  • Why it's wrong: The words 困难 (kùnnán) and 危险 (wēixiǎn) are modern, disyllabic compounds. They break the terse, classical 1-1-1-1 cadence of 何-难-之-有 and sound jarringly out of place to a native speaker, like wearing sneakers with a medieval suit of armor.
2. Omitting or Misplacing the Particle 之
Learners who don't grasp the grammatical function of 之 may be tempted to drop it, leading to an ungrammatical phrase.
  • Incorrect: *何难有？
  • Incorrect: *何有难？
  • Correct: 何难之有？
  • Why it's wrong: Without 之, there is no grammatical marker to signal that 难 is the preposed object of 有. The sentence falls apart. 何有难？ sounds like a syntactically broken question, "how have difficulty?", rather than a powerful rhetorical statement.
3. Applying It in the Wrong Register
Using this highly formal structure in a casual, everyday situation can create social awkwardness. It can make you sound pretentious, theatrical, or like you've been reading too many historical novels.
  • Scenario: Your friend can't open a jar of pickles.
  • Awkward: 我来帮你。区区一个瓶盖，何难之有？ (Wǒ lái bāng nǐ. Qūqū yí ge pínggài, hé nán zhī yǒu? - Let me help you. A mere jar lid, what difficulty is there?) This sounds overly dramatic and almost mocking.
  • Natural: 我来试试，这个确实有点紧。 (Wǒ lái shìshi, zhège quèshí yǒudiǎn jǐn. - Let me try, this one is indeed a bit tight.)
4. Confusing 何...之有 with 有何...
While they look similar, their functions are completely different.
  • 何...之有 is a rhetorical statement denying existence. It does not expect an answer. 何难之有？ means "There is no difficulty."
  • 有何... is a genuine (though formal) question asking "what... is there?" It expects an answer. 有何困难？ means "What difficulties are there?" and invites the listener to list them.
  • Example: A manager could ask his team 我们的项目有何困难？ (Wǒmen de xiàngmù yǒu hé kùnnán? - What difficulties does our project have?) to solicit feedback. If they replied 何难之有？, they would be boldly declaring there are no difficulties at all.

Real Conversations

Here’s how you might see 何...之有 used in various modern contexts, often with a specific stylistic intention.

S

Scenario 1

Online Gaming Forum

> GamerA_88: 气死我了，这个新出的“深渊魔王”根本没法打，我95级战士都扛不住三下！

> (Qì sǐ wǒ le, zhège xīn chū de “shēnyuān mówáng” gēnběn méi fǎ dǎ, wǒ 95 jí zhànshì dōu káng bú zhù sān xià!)

> (I'm so mad, this new "Abyss Demon King" boss is impossible to fight. My level 95 warrior can't even withstand three hits!)

>

> ProGamer_Lin: 它的攻击模式是固定的，你看穿了就很好躲。多练几次，熟能生巧，何难之有？

> (Tā de gōngjī móshì shì gùdìng de, nǐ kànchuān le jiù hěn hǎo duǒ. Duō liàn jǐ cì, shú néng shēng qiǎo, hé nán zhī yǒu?)

> (Its attack pattern is fixed; once you see through it, it's easy to dodge. Practice a few more times, practice makes perfect, what's so hard about it?)

Here, ProGamer_Lin uses the pattern to sound like a confident, experienced master dismissing a beginner's complaint.*

S

Scenario 2

Texting Between Friends (Humorous)

> 小张 (Xiǎo Zhāng): 完了完了，我妈让我明天必须带个对象回家吃饭... 我上哪儿找去啊？

> (Wán le wán le, wǒ mā ràng wǒ míngtiān bìxū dài ge duìxiàng huí jiā chīfàn... wǒ shàng nǎr zhǎo qù a?)

> (It's over, it's over, my mom told me I have to bring a partner home for dinner tomorrow... Where am I supposed to find one?)

>

> 小李 (Xiǎo Lǐ): 哈哈哈，以你人见人爱的魅力，找个临时演员何难之有？ [doge]

> (Hāhāhā, yǐ nǐ rénjiànrén'ài de mèilì, zhǎo ge línshí yǎnyuán hé nán zhī yǒu? [doge])

> (Hahaha, with your irresistible charm, what's so hard about finding a temporary actor? [doge emoji])

Here, the formality of the phrase is used ironically to tease a friend, with the emoji signaling that it's a joke.*

Quick FAQ

Q: Can I ever use a two-character word in this pattern, like 何麻烦之有?

It's highly inadvisable. While a native speaker would understand your meaning, it would immediately mark your speech as unnatural. The pattern is a fossil, and its form is frozen in time. Stick to conventional, monosyllabic words (难, 惧, 罪, 妨, 异, 干, 患) to use it correctly. Ninety-nine percent of the time, X is a single character.

Q: Is 何...之有 ever used in everyday spoken conversation?

Very rarely and almost always for a specific rhetorical effect. You won't hear it in line at the supermarket. You might hear it in a university lecture, a formal debate, or used humorously among well-educated friends who enjoy playing with language. For all normal conversational purposes, stick to modern equivalents like 有什么...的 or 没(有)什么.... Using 何...之有 in a casual setting will likely make you sound pretentious.

Q: What is the origin of this pattern? Is it from a famous poem or text?

It's not from a single source but is a common grammatical structure found throughout Classical Chinese texts. A famous early example appears in the Analects of Confucius (论语): 君子于役，不知其期，曷其有佸？ (Jūnzǐ yú yì, bùzhī qí qī, hé qí yǒu huó?). A related form 何...之为 is in Mencius (孟子): “是不为也，非不能也。” 曰：“然则何为不然也？” Here 曷(hé) is an older variant of 何. Its widespread use in these foundational philosophical and historical texts cemented it as a feature of formal, educated language for millennia.

Classical Rhetorical Structure

Part Function Example
何
Interrogative
何
Object
Target
忧
之
Particle
之
有
Verb
有

Meanings

A classical rhetorical construction used to negate the existence of an object or action, implying 'What is there to [verb]?'

1

Rhetorical Negation

Emphasizing that a specific action or object is unnecessary or non-existent.

“何{惧|jù}之有？”

“何{罪|zuì}之有？”

Reference Table

Reference table for Classical Rhetoric: What is there to [verb]? (何...之有)
Form Structure Example
Standard
何 + Obj + 之 + 有
何忧之有
Variation
何 + Obj + 之 + 谓
何谓之有

Formality Spectrum

Formal
何忧之有？

何忧之有？ (Expressing lack of concern.)

Neutral
有什么好担心的？

有什么好担心的？ (Expressing lack of concern.)

Informal
担心什么？

担心什么？ (Expressing lack of concern.)

Slang
怕啥？

怕啥？ (Expressing lack of concern.)

Classical Rhetorical Flow

何...之有

Components

  • 何 What
  • 之 Particle

Function

  • Negation Denial of existence
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Examples by Level

1

何{忧|yōu}之有？

What is there to worry about?

2

何{惧|jù}之有？

What is there to fear?

3

何{罪|zuì}之有？

What is there to blame?

4

何{苦|kǔ}之有？

What is there to suffer?

1

何{难|nán}之有？

What is there to be difficult?

2

何{悔|huǐ}之有？

What is there to regret?

3

何{虑|lǜ}之有？

What is there to be anxious about?

4

何{怨|yuàn}之有？

What is there to complain about?

1

吾辈何{畏|wèi}之有？

What is there for us to fear?

2

此举何{益|yì}之有？

What benefit is there in this action?

3

何{急|jí}之有？

What is there to be in a hurry about?

4

何{争|zhēng}之有？

What is there to argue about?

1

君子何{患|huàn}之有？

What is there for a gentleman to worry about?

2

何{辞|cí}之有？

What is there to decline?

3

何{疑|yí}之有？

What is there to doubt?

4

何{求|qiú}之有？

What is there to seek?

1

夫何{足|zú}之有？

What is there to be sufficient?

2

何{愧|kuì}之有？

What is there to be ashamed of?

3

何{憾|hàn}之有？

What is there to regret?

4

何{辞|cí}之有？

What is there to refuse?

1

何{事|shì}之有？

What is there to be concerned about?

2

何{言|yán}之有？

What is there to say?

3

何{劳|láo}之有？

What is there to be troubled by?

4

何{乐|lè}之有？

What is there to be happy about?

Easily Confused

Classical Rhetoric: What is there to [verb]? (何...之有) vs 何...之有 vs 有什么...

One is classical, one is modern.

Common Mistakes

✗

何吃饭之有

✓

何忧之有

Colloquial verbs don't fit the classical structure.
✗

何忧有

✓

何忧之有

Missing the particle 之.
✗

有何忧之

✓

何忧之有

Wrong word order.
✗

何之忧有

✓

何忧之有

Particle placement error.

Sentence Patterns

何___之有？

Real World Usage

Literary Analysis common

文中何疑之有？

Academic Writing common

此论何误之有？

Formal Speech occasional

何难之有？

Historical Commentary common

何罪之有？

Poetry occasional

何憾之有？

Philosophy common

何忧之有？

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🎯

Context is Key

Only use this in formal writing. It will sound bizarre in a text message.

Smart Tips

Use this to add rhetorical weight.

我不担心。 → 何忧之有？

Pronunciation

hé yōu zhī yǒu

Tone

Maintain a formal, steady tone.

Rhetorical

Rising at the end, but with a flat, final tone.

Assertive negation.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of '何' as the 'What', '之' as the 'Bridge', and '有' as the 'Existence'. What exists? Nothing!

Visual Association

Imagine a giant question mark that turns into a flat line, showing that the question leads to nothing.

Rhyme

何字开头之字连，有字结尾意无边。

Story

A wise monk is asked about his fears. He smiles and says, '何惧之有?' The student realizes the monk has no fear at all.

Word Web

何之有忧惧罪苦

Challenge

Write a one-sentence rhetorical question using this structure about a modern topic.

Cultural Notes

Used in the Analects to show the composure of a gentleman.

Ancient Chinese literary tradition.

Conversation Starters

“

何惧之有？

Journal Prompts

Write a reflection on a past challenge using '何...之有'.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Fill in the blank.

何___之有？

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 忧
Only formal nouns work.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 何忧之有
Correct word order.
Fix the error. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

何忧有

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 何忧之有
Missing particle.
Transform to classical. Sentence Transformation

有什么好担心的？

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 何忧之有
Use formal vocabulary.
Match the meaning. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: What to fear
惧 means fear.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: I am worried. B: ___?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 何忧之有
Formal response.
Build the sentence. Sentence Building

何/之/有/忧

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 何忧之有
Correct order.
Is this rule used in texting? True False Rule

True or False?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: False
It is too formal.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the blank.

何___之有？

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 忧
Only formal nouns work.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 何忧之有
Correct word order.
Fix the error. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

何忧有

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 何忧之有
Missing particle.
Transform to classical. Sentence Transformation

有什么好担心的？

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 何忧之有
Use formal vocabulary.
Match the meaning. Match Pairs

何惧之有

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: What to fear
惧 means fear.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: I am worried. B: ___?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 何忧之有
Formal response.
Build the sentence. Sentence Building

何/之/有/忧

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 何忧之有
Correct order.
Is this rule used in texting? True False Rule

True or False?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: False
It is too formal.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Rearrange the words to form the pattern 'What regret is there?' Sentence Reorder

1. {有|yǒu} 2. {之|zhī} 3. {何|hé} 4. {憾|hàn}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 3-4-2-1
Translate 'What is there to be bitter about?' using the classical pattern. Translation

What is there to be bitter about?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {何苦之有？|hé kǔ zhī yǒu?}
Match the classical phrase with its modern meaning. Match Pairs

Match the pairs:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: All matched
Complete the phrase for 'What difference is there?' Fill in the Blank

{何___之有？|hé ___ zhī yǒu?}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 异
Which context is MOST appropriate for using {何惧之有}? Multiple Choice

Select the best context:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: An epic movie speech before a battle
Fix the order: {何之难有？} Error Correction

{何之难有？|hé zhī nán yǒu?}

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {何难之有？|hé nán zhī yǒu?}
How would you say 'What fault is there?' formally? Translation

What fault is there?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {何过之有？|hé guò zhī yǒu?}
Which word is most likely NOT used in this pattern? Multiple Choice

Pick the unlikely word:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 手机
Finish the sentence: {既然无愧于心，___。} Fill in the Blank

Since my conscience is clear, ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {何忧之有？|hé yōu zhī yǒu?}
Reorder: {何 | 异 | 之 | 有} Sentence Reorder

Reorder for 'What difference is there?'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 何 - 异 - 之 - 有

Score: /10

FAQ (8)

No, it is too formal and archaic.

It acts as a particle to front the object.

It is a rhetorical question, not a literal one.

No, only formal verbs.

No, it is rare in modern Chinese.

The sentence will be ungrammatical.

It is specific to Classical Chinese.

Read classical texts.

Scaffolded Practice

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In Other Languages

Spanish low

¿Qué hay que temer?

No classical particle system.

French low

Qu'y a-t-il à craindre ?

No particle-based fronting.

German low

Was gibt es zu befürchten?

No classical inversion.

Japanese high

何ぞ憂うるの有らんや

Grammatical particles differ.

Arabic low

ما الذي يدعو للقلق؟

No particle-based object fronting.

Chinese partial

有什么好担心的？

Register and particle usage.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
Four-Character Magic: Chengyu Patterns
Next
Classical Logic Pairs: Authoritative, Analytical & Humble (夫...者, 盖...也, 窃...矣)

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