以...为(yǐ...wéi)
Take/Regard...As
Structure Pattern
Explanation
以...为 (yǐ...wéi) means "to take A as B" or "to regard A as B." It's a classical Chinese structure that survives in modern formal usage. Common in slogans, mottos, and official language: 以人为本 (people-oriented), 以X为中心 (centered on X).
Example Sentences
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Wǒmen yīnggāi yǐ xuéshēng wéi zhōngxīn.
We should be student-centered.
Bú yào yǐ mào qǔ rén.
Don't judge people by appearances.
Tā yǐ Běijīng wéi jiā.
He regards Beijing as home.
Gōngsī yǐ chuàngxīn wéi héxīn.
The company has innovation as its core.
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
我们以这个为解决问题。
Correct Usage
我们以这个为解决问题的办法。
The structure 以 A 为 B requires B to be a noun or noun phrase that A is identified as. A verb phrase like '解决问题' cannot directly follow 为; it needs to be nominalized or followed by a noun like '办法' (method).
Related Grammar Points
Master 以...为
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