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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'so as to' with 以 (yǐ)

    Manner & Method
    Purpose & Reason

    Structure

    Action + 以 + Purpose

    Explanation

    以 (yǐ) is a formal connector meaning 'so as to,' 'in order to,' or 'by means of.' It introduces a purpose or method and is more common in written Chinese than in casual speech.

    Examples

    • 我们要努力学习，以提高自己的能力。

      wǒmen yào nǔlì xuéxí, yǐ tígāo zìjǐ de nénglì.

      We must study hard in order to improve our abilities.

    • 请提前通知大家，以做好准备。

      qǐng tíqián tōngzhī dàjiā, yǐ zuòhǎo zhǔnbèi.

      Please notify everyone in advance so that they can prepare.

    • 公司调整了方案，以降低成本。

      gōngsī tiáozhěng le fāng'àn, yǐ jiàngdī chéngběn.

      The company adjusted its plan in order to reduce costs.

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    Expressing 'so as to' with 以 (yǐ) | Chinese Grammar