从而 vs 进而: what is the difference?
从而 introduces a result: 提高技术，从而降低成本. 进而 introduces the next step: 先了解，进而提出建议. If the second part is an outcome use 从而, if it is another stage of action use 进而。
| Word | Pinyin | What it does | Structure |
|---|---|---|---|
| 从而 | cóng ér | Introduces the result that follows from the first clause, in written style. | Action, 从而 + result |
| 进而 | jìn ér | Introduces the next step built on the first one. | Step 1, 进而 + step 2 |
从而 (cóng ér)
Introduces the result that follows from the first clause, in written style.
Structure: Action, 从而 + result
| Chinese | Pinyin | English |
|---|---|---|
| 工厂改进了设备，从而减少了污染。 | Gōng chǎng gǎi jìn le shè bèi, cóng ér jiǎn shǎo le wū rǎn. | The factory improved its equipment and thereby reduced pollution. |
| 多读书可以开阔眼界，从而提高写作水平。 | Duō dú shū kě yǐ kāi kuò yǎn jiè, cóng ér tí gāo xiě zuò shuǐ píng. | Reading more widens your horizons and so raises your writing level. |
| 政府降低了税收，从而鼓励了小企业的发展。 | Zhèng fǔ jiàng dī le shuì shōu, cóng ér gǔ lì le xiǎo qǐ yè de fā zhǎn. | The government cut taxes, thereby encouraging small businesses. |
Not: 我很饿，从而去吃饭。 从而 gives a result that follows from an action, not a personal plan; use 所以.
进而 (jìn ér)
Introduces the next step built on the first one.
Structure: Step 1, 进而 + step 2
| Chinese | Pinyin | English |
|---|---|---|
| 他先学会了拼音，进而掌握了汉字的写法。 | Tā xiān xué huì le pīn yīn, jìn ér zhǎng wò le Hàn zì de xiě fǎ. | He first learned pinyin and went on to master how to write characters. |
| 先了解对方的需要，进而才能提供合适的服务。 | Xiān liǎo jiě duì fāng de xū yào, jìn ér cái néng tí gōng hé shì de fú wù. | First understand the other party's needs, and then you can offer suitable service. |
| 公司先在本地站稳了脚跟，进而把生意做到了外地。 | Gōng sī xiān zài běn dì zhàn wěn le jiǎo gēn, jìn ér bǎ shēng yi zuò dào le wài dì. | The company first got established locally and then took its business to other places. |
Not: 我吃了药，进而病好了。 进而 is the next step; an outcome like getting well takes 从而.
Where this comes from
The comparison is part of Connective, Manner and Modal Adverbs (HSK 6) in the grammar reference, which has the full explanation, more worked examples, and what to learn before and after it.
More pairs: 从而 vs 因此 · 朝着 vs 向 · 非…不可 vs 必须 · 格外 vs 非常 · 或多或少 vs 多多少少 · 即使…也… vs 虽然…但是… · 鉴于 vs 出于 · 时而…时而… vs 一时…一时… · 阵 vs 次 · all 81 pairs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between 从而 and 进而?
从而 introduces a result: 提高技术，从而降低成本. 进而 introduces the next step: 先了解，进而提出建议. If the second part is an outcome use 从而, if it is another stage of action use 进而。
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