Coverb Constructions with 以、于、与

Coverbs are words that act like prepositions but behave a bit like verbs. They always need an object to complete their meaning. In this C1 level construction, 以, 于, and 与 introduce a relationship between the subject and the main action.

• 以 (yǐ) usually means "using," "by means of," or "according to."
• 于 (yú) acts like "in," "at," "to," or "from."
• 与 (yǔ) means "with" or "and" in a formal sense.

These words are remnants of Classical Chinese. They are short, punchy, and incredibly versatile. They allow you to skip the wordiness of spoken Chinese. Instead of saying 用这个方法解决问题, you say 以此解决问题. It’s faster, sharper, and much more impressive. Yes, even native speakers sometimes pause to make sure they've picked the right one! Think of it like a grammar traffic light—it directs the flow of your sentence with precision.

1. 1Using these coverbs follows a very specific structural logic. Follow these steps to build your sentences:
2. 2Start with your Subject (the person or thing doing the action).
3. 3Place the Coverb (以, 于, or 与) immediately after the subject.
4. 4Add the Object of the coverb (the tool, place, or person involved).
5. 5Finish with the Main Verb or Result.
6. 6Structure: [Subject] + [Coverb] + [Object] + [Verb/Phrase]
7. 7Example with 以: 公司 (Subject) + 以 (Coverb) + 质量 (Object) + 求生存 (Verb Phrase).
8. 8Translation: The company seeks survival through quality.
9. 9Example with 于: 该项目 (Subject) + 始 (Verb) + 于 (Coverb) + 去年 (Object).
10. 10Translation: This project began last year. (Note: 于 often follows the verb in specific formal patterns).

Timing is everything with these words. You should reach for these coverbs in the following scenarios:

• Writing formal emails or reports: Use 与您联系 instead of 跟你联系 to show respect.
• Academic papers: Use 于 to denote specific dates or locations of research.
• Business negotiations: Use 以 to explain your strategy or basis for a decision.
• Fixed idioms and Chengyu: Many four-character idioms rely on these coverbs (e.g., 以身作则).
• News broadcasting: You will hear these constantly on CCTV or in the People's Daily.

Imagine you are in a job interview. You want to say your experience is related to the position. Saying 我的经验跟这个职位有关 is fine. But saying 我的经验与此职位相关 makes you sound like a senior manager immediately. It’s all about the "vibe" of authority.

Don't overdo it! Using these in casual conversation makes you sound like a time-traveler from the Qing Dynasty.

• Ordering food: Never say 我由于餐厅吃饭. Just use 在.
• Texting friends: 与你见面 sounds like you're scheduling a diplomatic summit, not a coffee date.
• Basic daily tasks: If you're talking about brushing your teeth or buying milk, stick to 用, 在, and 和.

If you use these while wearing pajamas, people might look at you funny. Keep them for your professional or academic "wardrobe."

Even advanced learners trip up here. Here are the most common pitfalls:

• Misplacing 于: In modern Chinese, 于 often comes *after* the verb (e.g., 出生于), whereas 在 usually comes before. Don't say 我于北京出生.
• Redundancy: Don't use 以 and 用 together. Choose one. 以用这个方法 is a big no-no.
• Mixing registers: Using 与 in a sentence filled with slang like 给力 or 牛逼 creates a weird linguistic clash. Keep the whole sentence formal.
• Confusing 与 and 于: They sound similar but do very different jobs. 与 is a partner; 于 is a location or direction.

Let’s look at the "casual vs. formal" showdown:

1. 1以 vs. 用:

• Casual: 用筷子吃饭 (Eat with chopsticks).
• Formal: 以诚待人 (Treat people with sincerity).
• 以 is for abstract concepts or formal methods; 用 is for physical tools.

1. 1于 vs. 在:

• Casual: 他在2000年出生 (He was born in 2000).
• Formal: 他出生于2000年 (He was born in the year 2000).
• 于 often follows the verb and sounds much more permanent or official.

1. 1与 vs. 和/跟:

• Casual: 我想跟你讨论 (I want to discuss with you).
• Formal: 欲与贵方洽谈 (Desire to negotiate with your side).
• 与 is the gold standard for bilateral relations and formal partnerships.