与其…不如…
与其 + less preferred choice，不如 + preferred choice
Use this structure to compare two options and recommend the second.
与其担心结果，不如认真准备。
Rather than worry about the result, it is better to prepare carefully.
与其马上回答，不如先确认事实。
Rather than answer immediately, verify the facts first.
Common mistake: The preferred option belongs after 不如.
Correct model: Put the preferred choice after 不如.
Quick practice
- Write a new sentence following
与其 + less preferred choice，不如 + preferred choice. - Rewrite the common mistake above, then compare your structure with the two model sentences.
之所以…是因为…
之所以 + result，是因为 + reason
This formal pattern foregrounds a result and then identifies its cause.
他之所以进步快，是因为坚持复习。
The reason he improves quickly is that he reviews consistently.
她之所以拒绝，是因为条件不够清楚。
She refused because the conditions were unclear.
Common mistake: The first clause gives the result, not the cause.
Correct model: State the result after 之所以 and the reason after 是因为.
Quick practice
- Write a new sentence following
之所以 + result，是因为 + reason. - Rewrite the common mistake above, then compare your structure with the two model sentences.
无论…都…
无论 + alternatives，都 + constant result
Use 无论…都… to say the result is unchanged across every stated possibility.
无论遇到什么问题，她都很冷静。
No matter what problem she encounters, she stays calm.
无论是否成功，我们都应该记录过程。
Whether or not we succeed, we should record the process.
Common mistake: Include an open alternative such as 什么, 怎么 or 是否 after 无论.
Correct model: Pair 无论 with an open alternative and 都 in the result.
Quick practice
- Write a new sentence following
无论 + alternatives，都 + constant result. - Rewrite the common mistake above, then compare your structure with the two model sentences.
难怪
new explanation，难怪 + understandable result
难怪 shows that new information makes an earlier fact understandable.
他每天都跑步，难怪身体这么好。
He runs every day; no wonder he is so healthy.
路上这么堵，难怪他迟到了。
Traffic is so bad; no wonder he was late.
Common mistake: Use it when a cause explains something already observed.
Correct model: Use 难怪 after discovering the cause of something already observed.
Quick practice
- Write a new sentence following
new explanation，难怪 + understandable result. - Rewrite the common mistake above, then compare your structure with the two model sentences.