Progressive Phrases - Even…, not…, even more…
递进复句 — ……、更不用说……了
Understand the use of even… / not… / even more… and their placement in the sentence.
Elements
How to use it
- For 了, take a model phrase like ate dinner then go to the library. (Let's eat first, then go to the library.) and replace only the variable information.
- Copy a model phrase (ate dinner then go to the library.) and replace the subject/verb/timing while keeping the same structure.
- After substitution, verify that 了 / not / no / huh remain coherent with the meaning and timing of the sentence.
- Context: Especially in questions and answers.
Examples
吃了饭再去图书馆。
chī le fàn zài qù tú shū guǎn
Let's eat first, then go to the library.
我明白了。
wǒ míng bái le
I understand.
Notes and exceptions
- 了 — Aspect / change of state: Marks an accomplished event or a change in situation.
- Note: 了 is not required in all past tense sentences.
Common mistakes
- Check the order of elements before speaking or writing.
- Use a complete sentence to validate the structure in real context.
Practice quiz
Choose the best option for each sentence, then submit to view the correction.
1. Quel élément complète le mieux cette règle ?
(For **了**, take a model phrase like **ate dinner then go to the library.** (Let's eat first, then go to the library.) and replace only the variable information.)
2. Quel élément complète le mieux cette règle ?
(Copy a model phrase (**ate dinner then go to the library.**) and replace the subject/verb/timing while keeping the same structure.)
3. Quel élément complète le mieux cette règle ?
(After substitution, verify that 了 / not / no / huh remain coherent with the meaning and timing of the sentence.)
4. Quel élément complète le mieux cette règle ?
(Context: Especially in questions and answers.)