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HSK 2.0 Level 4+ HSK 3.0 Level 4+ 6 min read

连...都...，...更... for “Even …, Let Alone …”

Name an extreme case with 连……都/也……, then use 更 to say the point is even more true for someone or something else.

Pattern

连 + extreme case + 都/也 + …，other case + 更 + …

The first clause gives a surprising example with 连……都: even the strongest, smartest or most likely person can’t (or can) do it. The second clause uses 更 to draw the conclusion: so it is even more true for a weaker case.

这个箱子连爸爸都搬不动，我更搬不动了。

When to use 连...都...，...更... for “Even …, Let Alone …”

The first clause uses 连 + noun + 都/也 + verb to name an extreme case: 连爸爸都搬不动 (even Dad can’t move it). The second clause names a less likely case and adds 更 before the verb or adjective: 我更搬不动了 (so I certainly can’t). This makes a two-step argument: if it is true even for A, it is all the more true for B. 了 often ends the second clause, and 就 can come before 更 for extra flow: 我们就更不会了.

这道题连老师都觉得难，我们就更不会了。

Even the teacher finds this problem hard, so we certainly can’t do it.

这个菜连我都觉得辣，孩子们更吃不了了。

Even I find this dish spicy, so the kids really can’t eat it.

连小孩都知道这件事，大人更知道了。

Even children know about this, so adults certainly do.

这么简单的问题，连小学生都会，你更应该会了。

This question is so easy that even primary school pupils can do it, so you certainly should be able to.

Common traps

  • Don’t drop 都/也 after 连 + noun: say 连爸爸都搬不动, not 连爸爸搬不动.
  • 更 goes before the verb or adjective in the second clause: 我更搬不动了, not 更我搬不动了.
  • The first case must be the more extreme one; otherwise the logic of 更 does not work.

Targeted drill

Practice this exact pattern before moving on.

连小孩 知道这件事，大人更知道了

Even children know about this, so adults certainly do
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