B2 Sentence Structure 15 min read Easy

Formal Structure: Regard A as B (以 A 为 B)

Use 以 A 为 B to formally define the role, purpose, or identity of something.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use '以 A 为 B' to define or classify something, literally meaning 'take A as B'.

  • Use '以' to introduce the object: 以{朋友|péngyǒu}为{家人|jiārén} (Treat friends as family).
  • Use '为' to introduce the classification: 以{事实|shìshí}为{依据|yījù} (Take facts as the basis).
  • It is a formal structure often found in written Chinese and professional speech.
以 + [Object A] + 为 + [Object B]

Overview

The structure 以 A 为 B (yǐ A wéi B) is a formal and versatile pattern in Mandarin used to express the concept of “to take A as B,” “to regard A as B,” or “to consider A to be B.” It establishes a relationship where A (an object, concept, or action) is assigned the role, standard, purpose, or identity of B. This is not a simple statement of fact, but rather a declaration of intention, principle, or perspective. The person or entity performing the action is deliberately framing A in terms of B.

This pattern has roots in Classical Chinese, which contributes to its formal, concise, and often literary feel. You will frequently encounter it in written language, such as news headlines, academic papers, company slogans, and legal documents. It is also used in formal speech, such as business presentations, official announcements, and political addresses.

While less common in casual, everyday conversation, mastering 以 A 为 B is essential for any learner aiming for B2 proficiency and beyond, as it signals a higher level of linguistic sophistication and precision.

For example, a company might state its guiding philosophy:

  • 我们以客户为中心。
  • Wǒmen yǐ kèhù wéi zhōngxīn.
  • We take the customer as the center (i.e., We are customer-centric).

Here, the customer (A) is designated as the central focus (B) of the company's operations. This is not just a description; it's a statement of principle.

How This Grammar Works

To understand this structure, it's crucial to analyze the individual functions of 以 (yǐ) and 为 (wéi).
  • 以 (yǐ): In this context, 以 functions as a preposition meaning "with," "by means of," or "using." It introduces the object A as the instrument or basis for the action or judgment that follows. Think of it as linguistically "taking" or "selecting" A to be considered.
  • 为 (wéi): Here, 为 acts as a verb meaning "to be," "to act as," "to serve as," or "to become." It predicates B upon A. It assigns the characteristic, role, or identity of B to the object A that was introduced by 以. It's the core of the transformation or designation.
When combined, 以 A 为 B creates a powerful semantic frame: "By means of A, it serves as B." This structure is more active and deliberate than a simple A 是 B (A is B). It implies a conscious choice or established viewpoint. The subject of the sentence is actively performing a mental or philosophical act of categorization.
This is why it's so common for expressing principles and standards.
Consider this example:
  • 他以读书为乐。
  • Tā yǐ dúshū wéi lè.
  • He takes reading as a joy.
This sentence doesn't just mean "Reading is joyful." It means that he personally regards the act of reading (A) as a source of joy (B). It describes his subjective philosophy or attitude. The structure highlights his perspective as the defining lens through which reading is viewed.
Many four-character idioms (chengyu) are built on this logic, which further cements its role in formal and literary Chinese. For instance, 以和为贵 (yǐ hé wéi guì)—"to regard harmony as precious"—is a foundational concept in Chinese culture, presented in this compact, classical form.

Word Order Rules

The syntax of the 以 A 为 B pattern is fixed and must be followed precisely. The core elements appear in a clear and logical sequence. Any deviation from this order will result in an ungrammatical or nonsensical sentence.
The fundamental formula is: Subject + 以 + Object (A) + 为 + Role/Standard (B).
| Component | Function | Example Word | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | The entity performing the action of "regarding." | 公司 gōngsī | The company |
| 以 (yǐ) | Preposition; introduces the object. | 以 | (takes) |
| Object (A) | The thing, person, or concept being regarded. | 质量 zhìliàng | quality |
| 为 (wéi) | Verb; assigns the role or standard. | 为 | (as) |
| Role/Standard (B) | The identity, purpose, or criterion being assigned to A. | 第一 dìyī | the first priority |
Putting it all together produces a complete and correct sentence:
  • 公司以质量为第一。
  • Gōngsī yǐ zhìliàng wéi dìyī.
  • The company regards quality as its first priority.
An important rule is that there is no other main verb in the clause. The verb 为 serves as the predicate. Adding another verb like 是 (shì) or 当 (dāng) is redundant and incorrect. The 以...为... construction is a self-contained predicative phrase.
Additionally, the subject can sometimes be omitted, especially in idioms or slogans where the principle is stated as a universal truth. The context makes it clear who or what is implied.
  • 以事实为依据，以法律为准绳。
  • Yǐ shìshí wéi yījù, yǐ fǎlǜ wéi zhǔnshéng.
  • (One should) take facts as the basis and the law as the standard.
This famous legal principle omits the subject (e.g., 法院 fǎyuàn, the court) because it is universally understood within its context.

Formation Pattern

1
Constructing a sentence with 以 A 为 B involves identifying your components and placing them in the correct slots. Let's break down the process step-by-step.
2
Step 1: Identify the Subject.
3
Who or what is doing the "regarding" or "taking"? This can be a person, an organization, a country, etc.
4
Example: 我 wǒ (I)
5
Step 2: Identify Object A.
6
What is the thing being defined or framed? This is often a noun or a verb phrase acting as a noun.
7
Example: 帮助别人 bāngzhù biérén (helping others)
8
Step 3: Identify Role/Standard B.
9
What is the role, purpose, or standard you are assigning to A? This is typically a noun or a nominalized adjective.
10
Example: 责任 zérèn (responsibility)
11
Step 4: Assemble the sentence using the Subject + 以 + A + 为 + B pattern.
12
| Subject | 以 | A (Object) | 为 | B (Role) |
13
|---|---|---|---|---|
14
| 我 wǒ | 以 yǐ | 帮助别人 bāngzhù biérén | 为 wéi | 责任 zérèn |
15
Resulting Sentence:
16
我以帮助别人为责任。
17
Wǒ yǐ bāngzhù biérén wéi zérèn.
18
I take helping others as my responsibility.
19
Another Example:
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Subject: 这所大学 zhè suǒ dàxué (This university)
21
Object A: 培养学生的创造力 péiyǎng xuéshēng de chuàngzàolì (cultivating students' creativity)
22
Role B: 首要任务 shǒuyào rènwù (the primary task)
23
Resulting Sentence:
24
这所大学以培养学生的创造力为首要任务。
25
Zhè suǒ dàxué yǐ péiyǎng xuéshēng de chuàngzàolì wéi shǒuyào rènwù.
26
This university takes cultivating students' creativity as its primary task.
27
This pattern provides a robust template for expressing complex, formal ideas with elegance and precision.

When To Use It

以 A 为 B is not an all-purpose structure. Its usage is concentrated in specific contexts that require formality, precision, or the expression of a guiding principle. Using it in a very casual, mundane situation can sound overly dramatic or stilted.
1. Stating Principles, Mottos, or Philosophies:
This is the most common use case. Companies, organizations, and individuals use it to declare their core values.
  • 我们的服务以诚信为本。
  • Wǒmen de fúwù yǐ chéngxìn wéi běn.
  • Our service is based on integrity (takes integrity as its foundation).
  • 他以“先天下之忧而忧，后天下之乐而乐”为座右铭。
  • Tā yǐ “xiān tiānxià zhī yōu ér yōu, hòu tiānxià zhī lè ér lè” wéi zuòyòumíng.
  • He takes "Be the first to worry about the world's troubles and the last to enjoy its pleasures" as his motto.
2. Defining a Standard, Criterion, or Basis:
It is used to specify the benchmark or foundation for a decision or action. This is frequent in technical, legal, and academic contexts.
  • 招聘应以能力为主要标准，而不是背景。
  • Zhāopìn yīng yǐ nénglì wéi zhǔyào biāozhǔn, ér bùshì bèijǐng.
  • Hiring should take ability as the main criterion, not background.
  • 请以官方发布的信息为准。
  • Qǐng yǐ guānfāng fābù de xìnxī wéi zhǔn.
  • Please take the officially released information as the authoritative source (i.e., Please refer to the official information).
3. Designating a Temporary or Assumed Role:
While formal, it can describe a situation where something temporarily serves a different function. This usage often has a slightly literary flavor.
  • 在野外，他以洞穴为家。
  • Zài yěwài, tā yǐ dòngxué wéi jiā.
  • In the wild, he made his home in a cave (took a cave as his home).
  • 由于没有椅子，大家只好以地为席。
  • Yóuyú méiyǒu yǐzi, dàjiā zhǐhǎo yǐ dì wéi xí.
  • As there were no chairs, everyone had to sit on the ground (take the ground as their seats).
4. Expressing the Focus or Center of an Activity:
The structure is perfect for indicating that an activity or project is centered around a specific theme or element.
  • 这部电影以二战为背景。
  • Zhè bù diànyǐng yǐ èrzhàn wéi bèijǐng.
  • This movie is set against the backdrop of World War II (takes WWII as its background).
  • 晚会以“环保”为主题。
  • Wǎnhuì yǐ “huánbǎo” wéi zhǔtí.
  • The evening gala's theme is environmental protection (takes 'environmental protection' as its theme).
In summary, you should use this pattern when you want your language to carry weight and express a deliberate, principled stance.

Common Mistakes

Learners at the B2 level often grasp the basic meaning but make subtle errors in syntax and usage. Here are the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
1. Redundantly Adding 是 (shì) or 就是 (jiùshì)
This is the most frequent error. Learners instinctively try to insert a copula (is), forgetting that 为 (wéi) already serves this function.
  • Incorrect: 我们公司以客户为是中心。
  • Incorrect: 我们公司以客户为就是中心。
  • Correct: 我们公司以客户为中心。
  • Wǒmen gōngsī yǐ kèhù wéi zhōngxīn.
  • Reasoning: The structure 以 A 为 B translates to "take A as B." The "as" and "is" are fused within the character 为. Adding 是 is like saying "take A as is B," which is grammatically redundant in Chinese.
2. Incorrectly Swapping A and B
The order of A and B is semantic, not just syntactic. A is the existing object, and B is the role or label being assigned to it. Reversing them changes the meaning entirely.
  • Intended Meaning: "He takes me as his teacher."
  • Incorrect: 他以老师为我。 (Tā yǐ lǎoshī wéi wǒ.) This means "He takes the teacher as me," which is nonsensical.
  • Correct: 他以我为老师。 (Tā yǐ wǒ wéi lǎoshī.)
  • Reasoning: Remember the logic: Use/Take A (我, me) to serve as B (老师, teacher). Always place the item being defined first (A) and its new definition second (B).
3. Overusing the Structure in Casual Contexts
Using this formal pattern for mundane, everyday actions sounds awkward and unnatural. It's like wearing a tuxedo to go grocery shopping.
  • Awkward: 我以筷子为工具来吃饭。
  • Wǒ yǐ kuàizi wéi gōngjù lái chīfàn.
  • (I take chopsticks as a tool to eat.)
  • Natural: 我用筷子吃饭。 Wǒ yòng kuàizi chīfàn.
  • Reasoning: The action of using chopsticks is a simple, physical fact, not a philosophical stance or a formal designation. The simpler verb 用 (yòng, to use) is appropriate. Reserve 以...为... for abstract concepts, principles, and formal role assignments.
4. Confusing 为 (wéi) with 为 (wèi)
Although they are the same character, the pronunciation and meaning are different. wéi means "to be; to act as," while wèi is a preposition meaning "for; for the sake of." Learners sometimes conflate them.
  • Incorrect: 我以服务人民wèi宗旨。
  • Correct: 我以服务人民为宗旨。 Wǒ yǐ fúwù rénmín wéi zōngzhǐ. (I take serving the people as my purpose.)
  • Reasoning: In the 以 A 为 B structure, the second character must be the verb wéi. The wèi preposition is used in different patterns, like 为...而... (wèi...ér..., to do something for the sake of...).

Contrast With Similar Patterns

Several other structures can express "regarding A as B," but they differ in formality, nuance, and usage. Understanding these differences is key to precise expression.
| Structure | Formality | Key Nuance & Usage |
|---|---|---|
| 以 A 为 Byǐ A wéi B | Very Formal | Objective & Principled. Used for establishing standards, principles, official roles, or themes. Implies a deliberate, conscious designation. Common in writing and formal speech. |
| 把 A 当作 Bbǎ A dàngzuò B | Informal / Neutral | Subjective & Temporary. Used for treating or considering something as something else, often in a personal or hypothetical way. The most common structure in daily conversation. |
| 把 A 看作 Bbǎ A kànzuò B | Neutral / Slightly Formal | Cognitive & View-based. Focuses on the mental act of viewing or seeing something as another. More about perception than function. Can be used in both spoken and written contexts. |
| 视 A 为 Bshì A wéi B | Very Formal | Synonymous with 以 A 为 B. 视 (shì) means "to regard." This structure is almost identical in meaning and formality to 以 A 为 B and is often interchangeable in formal writing. |
Examples in Context:
  1. 1Stating a company value:
  • 以...为...: 公司以创新为核心竞争力。 (Formal, official principle)
  • Gōngsī yǐ chuàngxīn wéi héxīn jìngzhēnglì.
  • 把...当作...: (Less appropriate here, as it sounds too personal for a company-wide value.)
  1. 1Talking about a friend:
  • 把...当作...: 我早把你当作自己的亲人了。(Informal, emotional)
  • Wǒ zǎo bǎ nǐ dàngzuò zìjǐ de qīnrén le. (I've long thought of you as my own family.)
  • 以...为...: (Incorrect here. 我以你为亲人 sounds overly dramatic and distant.)
  1. 1Describing a temporary use:
  • 把...当作...: 他累得把背包当作枕头睡着了。(Casual, descriptive)
  • Tā lèi de bǎ bēibāo dàngzuò zhěntou shuìzháo le. (He was so tired he used his backpack as a pillow and fell asleep.)
  • 以...为...: 他以背包为枕。 (More literary and concise, sounds like a description from a novel.)
  • Tā yǐ bēibāo wéi zhěn.
In short, choose 以 A 为 B or 视 A 为 B for formal declarations of principle. Use 把 A 当作 B for everyday situations and personal feelings. 把 A 看作 B fits well when you want to emphasize a particular viewpoint or perspective.

Real Conversations

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Scenario 1

A Business Meeting

Two managers are discussing project strategy.

- 张经理(Zhāng Jīnglǐ): 关于新项目，我们必须明确我们的首要目标。我建议以用户体验为核心，其他功能可以稍后完善。

- Guānyú xīn xiàngmù, wǒmen bìxū míngquè wǒmen de shǒuyào mùbiāo. Wǒ jiànyì yǐ yònghù tǐyàn wéi héxīn, qítā gōngnéng kěyǐ shāohòu wánshàn.

- (Regarding the new project, we must clarify our primary objective. I propose we take user experience as the core; other features can be perfected later.)

- 李经理(Lǐ Jīnglǐ): 我同意。我们以前的项目就是因为忽视了这一点才失败的。我们必须以过去的教训为戒。

- Wǒ tóngyì. Wǒmen yǐqián de xiàngmù jiùshì yīnwèi hūshìle zhè yīdiǎn cái shībài de. Wǒmen bìxū yǐ guòqù de jiàoxùn wéi jiè.

- (I agree. Our previous project failed precisely because we neglected this point. We must take past lessons as a warning.)

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Scenario 2

University Orientation Speech

A dean is addressing new students.

- 院长(Yuànzhǎng): 同学们，欢迎来到我们大学。在未来的四年里，我希望你们能以追求真理为己任，以探索未知为乐趣。不要仅仅为了分数而学习。

- Tóngxuémen, huānyíng lái dào wǒmen dàxué. Zài wèilái de sì nián lǐ, wǒ xīwàng nǐmen néng yǐ zhuīqiú zhēnlǐ wéi jǐrèn, yǐ tànsuǒ wèizhī wéi lèqù. Bùyào jǐnjǐn wèile fēnshù ér xuéxí.

- (Students, welcome to our university. In the coming four years, I hope you will take the pursuit of truth as your own responsibility and take exploring the unknown as your joy. Don't study merely for the sake of grades.)

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Scenario 3

A Text Message Exchange

Two friends are discussing a difficult book they are reading for a class.

- 小文(Xiǎo Wén): 这本哲学书太难了，我快读不下去了！

- Zhè běn zhéxué shū tài nán le, wǒ kuài dú bù xiàqù le!

- (This philosophy book is too difficult, I can barely continue reading!)

- 小明(Xiǎo Míng): 坚持住！你可以以理解每一章的大意为目标，不必纠结于每个词。这是教授说的。

- Jiānchí zhù! Nǐ kěyǐ yǐ lǐjiě měi yī zhāng de dàyì wéi mùbiāo, bùbì jiūjié yú měi ge cí. Zhè shì jiàoshòu shuō de.

- (Hang in there! You can set "understanding the main idea of each chapter" as your goal, you don't need to get bogged down by every word. That's what the professor said.)

This last example shows how the structure can appear in a slightly less formal (but still educational) context, relaying advice from an authority figure.

Quick FAQ

Q: Can I use 以 A 为 B in everyday conversation?

It's rare and can sound overly formal. For casual speech, 把 A 当作 B (bǎ A dàngzuò B) is a much better choice. For example, to say "I treat him like a brother," you would say 我把他当作兄弟 (wǒ bǎ tā dàngzuò xiōngdì), not 我以他为兄弟.

Q: What is the difference between 以...为... and 视...为...?

They are very close synonyms and are often interchangeable in formal writing. 视 A 为 B (shì A wéi B) also means "to regard A as B." Both are highly formal. For example, 公司视质量为生命 (gōngsī shì zhìliàng wéi shēngmìng) is just as correct as 公司以质量为生命.

Q: Can A or B be a long clause?

Yes. Both A and B can be complex phrases or even short clauses, which is one reason this pattern is so useful in sophisticated writing. For example: 他以“能在逆境中保持乐观”为自己最大的优点。 (Tā yǐ “néng zài nìjìng zhōng bǎochí lèguān” wéi zìjǐ zuìdà de yōudiǎn. - He regards "being able to remain optimistic in adversity" as his greatest strength.)

Q: Is the subject always required?

No. In slogans, principles, or idioms, the subject is often omitted to create a universal statement. For example, 以和为贵 (yǐ hé wéi guì - Harmony is precious) or 以事实为依据 (yǐ shìshí wéi yījù - Take facts as the basis).

Structure Breakdown

Component Function Example
以
Preposition (Take)
以
A
Object/Standard
事实
为
Copula (As)
为
B
Classification/Result
准

Meanings

This structure is used to express that someone considers, treats, or defines one thing (A) as another thing (B).

1

Treating/Considering

To treat one thing as another.

“不要以{貌|mào}取{人|rén}。”

“他以{我|wǒ}为{友|yǒu}。”

2

Defining/Basing

To use something as a basis or standard.

“以{此|cǐ}为{例|lì}。”

“以{事实|shìshí}为{准|zhǔn}。”

Reference Table

Reference table for Formal Structure: Regard A as B (以 A 为 B)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
以 A 为 B
以{诚|chéng}为{本|běn}
Negative
不以 A 为 B
不以{小|xiǎo}为{大|dà}
Interrogative
以 A 为 B 吗？
以{此|cǐ}为{终|zhōng}吗？

Formality Spectrum

Formal
以客户为中心。

以客户为中心。 (Business)

Neutral
把客户放在第一位。

把客户放在第一位。 (Business)

Informal
客户最重要。

客户最重要。 (Business)

Slang
客户是上帝。

客户是上帝。 (Business)

The '以 A 为 B' Logic

以...为...

Input

  • 事实 Fact

Output

  • 准则 Standard
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Examples by Level

1

以{家|jiā}为{家|jiā}。

Treat home as home.

1

以{你|nǐ}为{友|yǒu}。

I treat you as a friend.

1

以{事实|shìshí}为{依据|yījù}。

Take facts as the basis.

1

我们应该以{客户|kèhù}为{中心|zhōngxīn}。

We should be customer-centric.

1

不以{物|wù}喜，不以{己|jǐ}悲。

Not happy for material things, not sad for oneself.

1

此举以{改革|gǎigé}为{核心|héxīn}。

This move takes reform as its core.

Easily Confused

Formal Structure: Regard A as B (以 A 为 B) vs 把...当作...

Both mean to treat/consider.

Formal Structure: Regard A as B (以 A 为 B) vs 视...为...

Very similar to 以...为.

Formal Structure: Regard A as B (以 A 为 B) vs 把...看作...

Similar to 把...当作.

Common Mistakes

✗

以我为吃苹果

✓

我把苹果当作食物

以...为 is for abstract concepts, not simple actions.
✗

以苹果为红

✓

苹果是红的

以...为 is for classification, not description.
✗

以他为去学校

✓

他去学校

Cannot use with verbs.
✗

以书为看

✓

以书为伴

Must be a noun.
✗

把以他为朋友

✓

以他为朋友

Don't mix 把 and 以.
✗

以朋友为他

✓

以他为朋友

Wrong order.
✗

以他为是好人

✓

以他为好人

Don't add '是'.
✗

以这个为我的目标

✓

以此为目标

Use '此' for conciseness.
✗

以质量为第一名

✓

以质量为先

Use idiomatic B.
✗

以他为我的老师

✓

以他为师

Use concise nouns.
✗

以这件事情为我们应该做的事情

✓

以此为己任

Too wordy.
✗

以他为不好的

✓

不以其为然

Use formal negation.
✗

以这个为基础

✓

以此为基

Use formal vocabulary.
✗

以他为我的敌人

✓

视其为敌

Use appropriate verbs.

Sentence Patterns

以___为___

不以___为___

以此为___

以___为中心

Real World Usage

Business Proposal very common

我们以创新为核心。

Academic Paper common

本文以数据为基础。

Political Speech common

以民为本。

Social Media (Professional) occasional

以学习为乐。

Job Interview common

我以结果为导向。

Texting rare

以你为荣！

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💡

Keep it short

The best '以...为...' phrases are four characters long.
⚠️

Avoid in casual chat

Using this with friends can make you sound like a textbook.
🎯

Use '此'

Instead of repeating the noun, use '以此' to refer back to the previous sentence.
💬

Idiom power

Many chengyu use this structure; learn them to sound native.

Smart Tips

Use '以此为准' to confirm information.

请看这个信息。 → 请以此为准。

Use '以...为本'.

我们重视诚信。 → 我们以诚信为本。

Use '以...为目标'.

我的目标是学习中文。 → 我以学习中文为目标。

Use '以...为依据'.

我们根据数据做决定。 → 我们以数据为依据。

Pronunciation

yǐ... wéi...

Tone

以 (yǐ) is 3rd tone, 为 (wéi) is 2nd tone.

Formal emphasis

以 [A] 为 [B] ↗

Rising tone at the end for professional assertion.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of '以' as 'Take' and '为' as 'As'. Take A as B.

Visual Association

Imagine a judge holding a scale. On one side is 'A' (the fact), and on the other is 'B' (the standard).

Rhyme

以 A 为 B，标准要立。

Story

A CEO stands in a meeting. He points to the customer. He says, 'We take the customer as our center.' Everyone nods. He used '以客户为中心'.

Word Web

以为标准依据目标中心

Challenge

Write three sentences using '以...为...' to describe your work or study goals.

Cultural Notes

Used heavily in political and corporate slogans.

Used in formal writing and academic papers.

Common in official government communications.

Derived from Classical Chinese where '以' functioned as a preposition meaning 'to use' and '为' as a copula.

Conversation Starters

“

你以什么为目标？

“

你认为什么最重要？

“

在工作中，你以什么为准则？

“

你如何看待这件事？

Journal Prompts

Describe your life goals using '以...为...'.
Write a short business mission statement.
Reflect on a personal value.
Analyze a news headline.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Sign up free to see all tips

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank.

我们应该以客户___中心。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 为
The structure is 以...为.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 以事实为依据
Correct structure.
Fix the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

把以他为老师。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 以他为老师
Remove 把.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

Arrange the words in the correct order:

All words placed

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 以诚信为本
Standard order.
Translate to Chinese. Translation

Take facts as the basis.

Answer starts with: 以事实...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 以事实为依据
Correct structure.
Match the phrase. Match Pairs

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

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 中心
Common collocation.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

以...为... (Goal)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 以目标为导向
Logical order.
Choose the best fit. Multiple Choice

___为荣。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 以此
以此 is the standard formal reference.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the blank.

我们应该以客户___中心。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 为
The structure is 以...为.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 以事实为依据
Correct structure.
Fix the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

把以他为老师。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 以他为老师
Remove 把.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

为 / 以 / 诚信 / 本

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 以诚信为本
Standard order.
Translate to Chinese. Translation

Take facts as the basis.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 以事实为依据
Correct structure.
Match the phrase. Match Pairs

以...为...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 中心
Common collocation.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

以...为... (Goal)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 以目标为导向
Logical order.
Choose the best fit. Multiple Choice

___为荣。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 以此
以此 is the standard formal reference.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Fill in the blank for a business slogan. Fill in the Blank

公司以客户___中心。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 为
Translate into Chinese using '以...为...' Translation

Taking facts as the basis.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 以事实为依据
Reorder: 'She takes reading as a pleasure.' Sentence Reorder

Arrange the words:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 她以阅读为乐
Which one sounds like a formal company mission statement? Multiple Choice

Choose the best fit:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我们以创新为动力。
Fix the logic: 'Take the hotel as home.' Error Correction

他以家为酒店。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他以酒店为家。
Match A to B for common phrases. Match Pairs

Match the pairs:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 本,乐,重,尊
Fill the 'by' particle. Fill in the Blank

___事实为基础。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 以
Arrange: 'The video takes a cat as its hero.' Sentence Reorder

Arrange the words:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 视频以猫为主角
Correct way to say 'based on the market'. Multiple Choice

Choose the best fit:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 以市场为导向
Complete the 'living' phrase. Fill in the Blank

渔夫以捕鱼___生。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 为

Score: /10

FAQ (8)

Only if you are being very formal or poetic. Otherwise, it sounds too stiff.

In this structure, yes, it functions as 'take'.

It is more concise and carries more authority.

Yes, e.g., '以他为师' (Take him as a teacher).

Don't. It's grammatically incorrect.

Constantly. It's the standard for headlines.

Yes, '不以...为...'.

Yes, hundreds. It's a very productive pattern.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

Sign up free to practice

In Other Languages

Japanese high

～を～とする

Japanese uses a verb at the end; Chinese uses a copula.

Spanish moderate

Considerar como

Spanish is more flexible with word order.

German moderate

Betrachten als

German requires a specific preposition 'als'.

French moderate

Considérer comme

French is less formal than the Chinese structure.

Arabic partial

اعتبر... كـ

Arabic grammar is highly inflectional.

Chinese high

以...为...

N/A

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
Chinese Topic Markers: About vs. Towards (关于 vs. 对于)

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B2

Explaining the 'Why' (之所以...是因为...)

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Overview In English, we structure sentences around a subject performing an action: "**The team** will discuss **the bud...
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