Prepositions 自, 当, 由, and 随着
Learn Prepositions 自, 当, 由, and 随着 with practical HSK 4 examples, focus vocabulary, common pitfalls, and targeted cloze practice.
Pattern
formal preposition + object
Use this HSK 4 pattern to make sentence structure, scope, or emphasis explicit instead of relying on word-for-word English order.
随着年龄增长，他更有耐心。
When to use Prepositions 自, 当, 由, and 随着
Read formal preposition + object as a sentence tool, not just as vocabulary. First locate the main action or claim, then ask what 随着 adds to it.
这个句子里的随着让意思更清楚。
The 随着 in this sentence makes the meaning clearer.
如果不用随着，句子的重点会不一样。
Without 随着, the sentence focus would be different.
他说得很自然，因为他知道随着的位置。
He spoke naturally because he knew where 随着 belongs.
Common traps
- Do not translate formal preposition + object mechanically from English; check the Chinese word order first.
- Keep 随着 close to the part of the sentence it controls.
- Do not overuse the pattern in every sentence; use it when it adds a clear role.
Support vocabulary
Targeted drill
Practice this exact pattern before moving on.
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