Connect Propositions / Phrases - 但、但是、那、虽然…
连接分句或者句子 — 但、但是、那、虽然…
Understand the use of 但 / 但是 / 那 / 虽然 and their placement in the sentence.
Elements
How to use it
- For 但, take a model sentence like 他学习很好，但是身体不太好。 (He studies well, but his health isn't very good.) and replace only the variable information.
- For 但是, take a model sentence like 他学习很好，但是身体不太好。 (He studies well, but his health isn't very good.) and replace only the variable information.
- After substitution, verify that 了 / 不 / 没 / 吗 remain consistent with the meaning and time of the sentence.
- Context: especially in questions and answers and explanation and argumentation.
Examples
他学习很好，但是身体不太好。
tā xuéxí hěn hǎo ， dànshì shēntǐ bù tài hǎo 。
He studies well, but his health isn't very good.
我们应该早点回家，但是外面天气很好。
wǒmen yīnggāi zǎodiǎn huí jiā ， dànshì wàibù tianqì hěn hǎo 。
We should go home early, but it's very nice outside.
那个男孩在看书。
nà gè nán hái zài kàn shū.
This boy reads a book.
虽然他很累，但他还是去了图书馆。
suīrán tā hěn lèi, dàn shì hái shì qù le túshūguǎn.
Although he's tired, he went to the library.
...还是...？
...háishi...?
... or ...?
因为下雨，我们取消了野餐。
yīnwèi xiàyǔ, wǒmen tǎoguǎn le yěwán。
Because it was raining, we canceled our picnic.
Notes and exceptions
- 虽然 — Concession: Although…
- 但是 — Contrast: But…
- 因为 — Cause: Because…
- 所以 — Consequence: Therefore…
Common mistakes
- Check the order of elements before speaking or writing.
- Use a complete sentence to validate the structure in a real context.
Practice quiz
Choose the best option for each sentence, then submit to view the correction.
1. 他学习很好，____身体不太好。
(He studies well, but his health isn't very good.)
2. 我们应该早点回家，____外面天气很好。
(We should go home early, but it's very nice outside.)
3. ____个男孩在看书。
(This boy reads a book.)
4. ____他很累，但他还是去了图书馆。
(Although he's tired, he went to the library.)
5. ...____...？
(... or ...?)
6. ____下雨，我们取消了野餐。
(Because it was raining, we canceled our picnic.)