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HSK 2.0 Level 6+ HSK 3.0 Level 7–9+ 6 min read

予以, 有所, 可谓, 可否 and 除外 for Formal Writing

Learn five formal verbs from notices and reports: 予以 “give (support, praise)”, 有所 “to some extent”, 可谓 “can be called”, 可否 “may I ask whether” and 除外 “except”.

Pattern

予以 + two-syllable verb ／ 有所 + two-syllable verb ／ 可谓 + comment ／ 可否 + verb ／ X除外

These verbs turn everyday ideas into formal language: 有所提高 “has improved somewhat”, 予以表扬 “give praise”, 可谓 “can truly be called”.

经过一个学期的努力，他的成绩有所提高。

When to use 予以, 有所, 可谓, 可否 and 除外 for Formal Writing

These are formal verbs found in notices, reports and speeches. 予以 + a two-syllable verb means “to give (that action)”, often with 对… before it: 对优秀同学予以表扬 “give praise to excellent students”. 有所 + a two-syllable verb means “to some extent”: 有所提高 “has improved somewhat”, 有所不同 “differ somewhat”. 可谓 means “can be called, it is fair to say” and comes before a judgement: 可谓一举两得. 可否 means “whether it is possible” and makes a polite formal question: 可否请您…？ 除外 means “is excepted” and comes after the thing left out: 周一除外 “except Mondays”.

学校对表现突出的同学予以表扬。

The school gives praise to students who perform outstandingly.

这次活动既锻炼了身体，又交了朋友，可谓一举两得。

This activity gave us exercise and new friends; you could call it killing two birds with one stone.

图书馆每天开放，周一除外。

The library is open every day except Mondays.

您可否把会议资料发给我一份？

Could you possibly send me a copy of the meeting materials?

Common traps

  • 予以 and 有所 are followed by a two-syllable verb: 予以帮助, 有所改变, not 予以帮 or 有所变.
  • 除外 goes after what it leaves out: 周日除外, not 除外周日.
  • These words sound stiff in casual chat; use 能不能, 提高了一些 or 除了…以外 with friends.

Targeted drill

Practice this exact pattern before moving on.

图书馆每天开放，周一 。

The library is open every day except Mondays
Fill in the missing piece, then press Enter

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