Subordinate Sentence Groups (Conditional, Causal, Purpose, Concessive, Summary)
偏正关系句群：条件句群、因果句群、目的句群、转折句群、让步句群、总结句群
Master subordinate sentence groups where one sentence is primary and others serve supporting roles
Subordinate sentence groups (偏正关系句群) consist of a primary sentence (正) and one or more supporting sentences (偏). The supporting sentences provide conditions, causes, purposes, concessions, or summaries that serve the primary point.
This contrasts with coordinate groups (联合关系) where all sentences have equal weight. In subordinate groups, there is a clear hierarchy: some sentences exist to support or frame the main point.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Subordinate Sentence Groups (Conditional, Causal, Purpose, Concessive, Summary) (偏正关系句群：条件句群、因果句群、目的句群、转折句群、让步句群、总结句群)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 偏正关系句群：条件句群、因果句群、目的句群、转折句群、让步句群、总结句群 pattern
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Understanding 偏正关系句群：条件句群、因果句群、目的句群、转折句群、让步句群、总结句群
Subordinate sentence groups represent the most sophisticated level of paragraph organization in Chinese. Unlike coordinate groups where all sentences are equal, subordinate groups have a clear main point supported by dependent sentences. There are six major subtypes. Conditional (条件): a condition is set, then the result follows — 只要你肯努力，就一定能成功。 Causal (因果): a reason is given, then the consequence — 由于准备充分，我们顺利完成了任务。 Purpose (目的): an action is taken for a specific goal — 为了提高效率，我们重新安排了流程。 Contrastive/Turning (转折): an unexpected turn follows an initial point — 大家都以为他会放弃，没想到他坚持到了最后。 Concessive (让步): a concession is made before the main point stands firm — 即使困难再大，我们也不会退缩。 Summary (总结): details are given first, then a concluding main point — 经过分析，我们得出结论……。 Mastering these six types lets you construct complex, nuanced paragraphs that argue, explain, and persuade at a native level.
Key Points
- 偏正关系 (piānzhèng guānxì) = subordinate relationship — one part supports, one part is primary.
- Conditional (条件): 只要/如果/假如……就/那么 — setting conditions for outcomes.
- Causal (因果): 因为/由于/既然……所以/因此/于是 — explaining reasons and results.
- Purpose (目的): 为了/为的是……so + action — stating goals behind actions.
- Contrastive (转折): ……可是/然而/不过/没想到 — introducing unexpected turns.
- Concessive (让步): 即使/尽管/哪怕……也/还是 — acknowledging obstacles while maintaining position.
- Summary (总结): details first, then 总之/由此可见/综上所述 — concluding from evidence.
- In academic and professional Chinese, subordinate groups are the backbone of argumentation.
The ability to construct well-organized subordinate sentence groups is considered a mark of education in Chinese culture. Government reports, academic papers, and formal speeches all rely heavily on these patterns. The HSK 7-9 writing section specifically tests this ability.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
只要你每天坚持练习，你的中文水平一定会提高。不要急于求成，学习语言需要时间。
As long as you practice every day, your Chinese will definitely improve. Do not rush — learning a language takes time.
Conditional: setting condition and result
由于公司资金不足，很多项目被迫暂停。一些员工也因此被裁员。
Due to insufficient company funds, many projects were forced to pause. Some employees were also laid off as a result.
Causal: reason leading to consequences
为了改善空气质量，政府出台了一系列新政策。这些政策包括限制工厂排放和鼓励使用新能源汽车。
In order to improve air quality, the government introduced a series of new policies. These include limiting factory emissions and encouraging the use of new energy vehicles.
Purpose: goal behind the action
大家都以为他会放弃。没想到他不但坚持下来了，还取得了全班第一名的成绩。
Everyone thought he would give up. Unexpectedly, he not only persisted but also achieved the top grade in the class.
Contrastive: unexpected turn
即使路途再遥远，我们也要坚持走下去。困难只是暂时的，胜利终将属于坚持到底的人。
Even if the road is long, we must keep going. Difficulties are temporary — victory belongs to those who persevere.
Concessive: acknowledging hardship, maintaining resolve
他的成绩名列前茅，社交能力也很强，还积极参加各种课外活动。综上所述，他是最佳候选人。
His grades are top-ranked, his social skills are strong, and he actively participates in extracurricular activities. In conclusion, he is the best candidate.
Summary: evidence leading to conclusion
尽管对手非常强大，我们的队员没有退缩。他们用顽强的意志赢得了这场比赛。
Despite the opponent being very strong, our team did not back down. They won the match through sheer willpower.
Concessive: obstacle acknowledged, determination shown
Common Mistakes
The conditional clause (只要……就) belongs in one sentence. The second sentence (因此) starts a new thought. Also, avoid repeating the same idea (努力) — add new information in the conclusion.
Effort leading to success is causal (因为……所以), not contrastive (虽然……但是). Use 虽然 only when the result is unexpected given the first clause.
Concessive (即使) means "even if" — the result should show persistence despite the obstacle. For a conditional cause-effect, use 如果……就 instead.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Before writing a paragraph, ask yourself: Is my main point a condition, cause, purpose, contrast, concession, or conclusion? Then choose the matching subordinate structure.
In essays, the best paragraphs often combine types: a causal group explains why, followed by a concessive group that addresses counterarguments.
Remember: 虽然 = unexpected contrast; 因为 = expected cause-effect. Mixing them up is one of the most common advanced errors.
For formal writing, prefer 由于 over 因为, 因此 over 所以, and 综上所述 over 总之.
Homework
Write a short argumentative paragraph (6-8 sentences) about whether students should use AI for learning. Use at least three different subordinate sentence group types: one causal (explaining why AI is useful or harmful), one concessive (acknowledging the other side), and one summary (concluding your position). Label each type in parentheses after the relevant sentences.