HSK 5
⋯⋯，因而⋯⋯
⋯ ⋯ ， yīn ér ⋯ ⋯
Structure 'therefore, consequently' (因而)
Explanation
……，因而…… is a cause-effect compound sentence (a two-clause sentence stating cause - result). 因而 (yīn'ér) is a conjunction (a word linking clauses) meaning "therefore, so, hence".
[cause/situation clause]，因而 yīn'ér + [result clause]. e.g. 他生病了，因而没来上课 = he was sick, therefore he didn't come to class. The first clause states the reason, and after 因而 is the direct result.
When the result is a natural, direct consequence of the cause. 因而 leans toward formal/written usage, emphasizing a clear cause-effect relationship.
因而 leans toward stating a RESULT/consequence (like 因此 yīncǐ), while 从而 (cóng'ér) leans toward stating a PURPOSE or the next step achieved. Compared with 所以 (suǒyǐ, so) used in everyday speech, 因而 is more formal and usually does not go together with 因为 in the first clause.
Vietnamese learners often pair "因为……因而……" out of the habit of "because...so..."; in fact 因而 usually stands alone, and the preceding clause doesn't need 因为. Also don't use 因而 in casual speech — there it's more natural to use 所以.
Examples
He got sick, so he didn't come to class.
She completed the task on time, and thus received a reward from the company.
This exam was too hard, so many students didn't pass.
Practice
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Learn “⋯⋯，因而⋯⋯” effectively
The grammar point “⋯⋯，因而⋯⋯” (Structure 'therefore, consequently' (因而)) is one of the key structures at HSK 5. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.
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