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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing "as far as…is concerned" with 而言 (éryán) in fixed expressions

    HSK 4
    Topic & Focus

    Structure

    General Term + 而言

    Explanation

    而言 (éryán) appears in fixed expressions like 一般而言 (generally speaking) and 总体而言 (overall speaking). These set phrases function as sentence adverbs that frame the scope or perspective of an entire statement.

    Examples

    • 一般而言，夏天比冬天更适合旅游。

      yībān éryán, xiàtiān bǐ dōngtiān gèng shìhé lǚyóu.

      Generally speaking, summer is more suitable for traveling than winter.

    • 总体而言，这次考试的成绩还不错。

      zǒngtǐ éryán, zhè cì kǎoshì de chéngjì hái búcuò.

      Overall, the results of this exam are pretty good.

    • 简单而言，我们需要更多时间。

      jiǎndān éryán, wǒmen xūyào gèng duō shíjiān.

      Simply put, we need more time.

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    Expressing "as far as…is concerned" with 而言 (éryán) in fixed expressions | Chinese Grammar