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    Chinese Grammar

    Scopal modifier with a head word

    Description & Modification
    Emphasis

    Explanation

    A scopal modifier is a sentence-level adverb or clause that modifies the entire proposition rather than a single word. In Chinese, adverbs like 还是 (still, nevertheless) can scope over the whole sentence, indicating that an outcome occurs despite expectations. This structure often appears with the passive marker 被.

    Examples

    • 虽然他跑得很快，还是被警察拦下了。

      suīrán tā pǎo de hěn kuài, háishì bèi jǐngchá lán xià le.

      Although he ran very fast, he was still stopped by the police.

    • 尽管天气很差，航班还是准时到达了。

      jǐnguǎn tiānqì hěn chà, hángbān háishì zhǔnshí dàodá le.

      Despite the bad weather, the flight still arrived on time.

    • 他准备得很充分，结果还是没通过面试。

      tā zhǔnbèi de hěn chōngfèn, jiéguǒ háishì méi tōngguò miànshì.

      He prepared very thoroughly, but still didn't pass the interview.

    Scopal modifier with a head word | Chinese Grammar