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HSK 2.0 Level 6+ HSK 3.0 Level 6+ 8 min read

Formal Definition with 以...为

Use 以...为 to define goals, principles, and evaluation standards in formal Chinese.

Pattern

以 + standard/object + 为 + basis/goal

State the basis, goal, or standard used for action.

我们以提高质量为目标。

When to use Formal Definition with 以...为

以...为 is a compact written frame. It can mean taking something as a basis, goal, center, or standard.

判断应以事实为依据。

Judgment should take facts as the basis.

课程以实际应用为核心。

The course takes practical application as its core.

他以帮助学生为责任。

He takes helping students as his responsibility.

公司以安全为第一原则。

The company takes safety as its first principle.

Common traps

  • 以...为 is formal; use 把...当作 for more concrete treating-as sentences.
  • The phrase after 为 is usually a noun like 目标, 依据, 核心, or 原则.
  • Do not confuse 为 here with the preposition “for.”

Targeted drill

Practice this exact pattern before moving on.

我们 提高质量为目标

Missing grammar piece
Meanings
using; taking as