HSK 2
递进复句
dì jìn fù jù
Progressive compound sentences (递进复句)
Explanation
A progressive compound sentence (递进复句 dìjìn fùjù) is a sentence with two clauses in which the second clause states something higher, deeper, or additional compared to the first, showing an increasing degree. Connectives (关联词语 guānlián cíyǔ) are conjunctions/adverbs used to link the clauses.
There are two forms. (1) Without connectives: clause 1, clause 2 (adding something deeper), as in 会说中文，说得很流利. (2) With connectives: ...，更/还... (gèng = even more / hái = also) or 不但...，而且... (bùdàn... érqiě... = not only... but also...).
When you want to emphasize and push the idea up a level: not only good at studying but also often helps others (不但...而且...), today is even colder than yesterday (更冷了).
更 (gèng) goes before an adjective/verb to make a comparison of a greater degree (更冷 = colder); whereas 还 (hái) here means "also, in addition," adding a new fact (还帮助同学 = also helps classmates). The pair 不但...而且... goes together: 不但 in the first clause, 而且 in the second.
Vietnamese learners often use only one half of the pair (only 不但 without 而且, or vice versa). You should use the full pair 不但...而且.... Also, 更 must go before the word denoting a quality (更冷), not at the end of the sentence.
Examples
(1) Without connective words
I've been to that place before, in fact twice already.
His younger brother can speak Chinese, and speaks it very fluently.
(2) With connective words: ⋯⋯, 更/还 (even more/also) ⋯⋯; 不但 (not only) ⋯⋯, 而且 (but also) ⋯⋯
Yesterday was very cold; today is even colder.
The class monitor studies very well, and also often helps classmates.
She not only can speak Chinese, but also speaks it very well.
Practice
Test your understanding with a quick quiz
Learn “递进复句” effectively
The grammar point “递进复句” (Progressive compound sentences (递进复句)) is one of the key structures at HSK 2. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.
Study tip: read the examples aloud many times to build a natural reflex. Then try making your own sentences for your own situations. Use the audio button to hear and practice accurate pronunciation.
You can also view the full “” lesson to understand the related grammar and vocabulary more deeply.