Conditional Compound: 凡是……都……
凡是……，都……
Use 凡是...都... to express that something applies universally to every member of a category, without exception
凡是 introduces a universal condition — it marks every item in a group. 都 then states what applies to all of them. Together they form a sweeping generalization: "All who / everything that... without exception."
凡是 is more formal and emphatic than simply using 所有. It carries a tone of authority, often found in rules, declarations, and principled statements. The clause after 凡是 defines the scope; 都 delivers the verdict.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Conditional Compound: 凡是……都…… (凡是……，都……)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 凡是……，都…… pattern
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Understanding 凡是……，都……
The 凡是...都... pattern is one of Chinese's most powerful tools for universal statements. Where English might say "every single one" or "without exception," Chinese uses 凡是 to sweep everything into one category and 都 to apply a blanket conclusion. This pattern appears frequently in formal writing, speeches, and regulations, but it is also used in everyday conversation when a speaker wants to emphasize totality. For example, 凡是迟到的同学都要写检讨 ("Every student who is late must write a self-criticism") leaves no room for exceptions. The strength of 凡是 lies in its absoluteness — once you use it, you are making a claim about 100% of the cases, not 90%.
Key Points
- 凡是 (fánshì) means "all / every / in every case where" — it is a universal quantifier.
- 都 (dōu) is required in the second clause to confirm the universal scope.
- The pattern emphasizes that NO exceptions exist within the stated category.
- 凡是 is more formal and forceful than 所有 or 每.
- The condition after 凡是 can be a noun phrase or a verbal phrase describing a situation.
This pattern is commonly heard in government announcements, company policies, and school rules. In traditional Chinese rhetoric, making sweeping universal statements conveys authority and decisiveness. Leaders and teachers frequently use 凡是...都... to set expectations and leave no ambiguity.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
凡是听到高兴的事，他都和朋友分享。
Whenever he hears happy news, he shares it with friends without exception.
凡是跟他合作，都能顺利完成任务。
Working with him always leads to smooth completion of tasks.
凡是对的，我们都应该坚持。
Everything that is right, we should uphold.
凡是参加比赛的选手都获得了纪念品。
Every contestant who participated received a souvenir.
凡是违反规定的，都要受到处罚。
Anyone who violates the regulations will be punished.
凡是他推荐的书，我都觉得很好看。
Every book he recommends, I find excellent.
凡是来过中国的外国人都说中国菜好吃。
Every foreigner who has been to China says the food is delicious.
Common Mistakes
凡是 must pair with 都 in the result clause. Dropping 都 breaks the pattern and weakens the universal meaning.
The second clause needs 都 to complete the universal assertion. Without it, the sentence sounds incomplete.
凡是 is not interchangeable with 所有是. Use 凡是 directly before the condition; do not insert 是 after 所有.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Think of 凡是 as drawing a circle around an entire group, and 都 as stamping every member inside that circle.
Use 凡是...都... when you want to sound authoritative and leave no room for exceptions.
In writing, 凡是 elevates your register — it is perfect for essays, speeches, and formal arguments.
Practice by making rules: 凡是上课迟到的都要道歉 — a great way to internalize the pattern.
Homework
Write six sentences using 凡是...都...: two about rules at school or work, two about personal observations (things that are always true in your experience), and two about cultural generalizations. Pay attention to placing 都 correctly in the result clause.