Classical Sentence Pattern: 何...之有

In modern Chinese, we usually put the verb before the object. You might say 有什么困难? (Have what difficulty?). In this classical pattern, we flip everything. We take the question word 何 (what) and the object. Then we pull them to the front. We insert 之 as a structural helper. Finally, we end with the verb 有. This inversion creates a spotlight. It focuses all the attention on the object you are questioning. It's like moving the climax of a movie to the very first scene. You aren't just asking a question. You are making a bold statement about the absence of something.

1. 1Building this is like assembling a high-end watch. Follow these steps exactly:
2. 2Start with the interrogative pronoun 何. This always comes first.
3. 3Add your Noun or Noun Phrase. This is the thing you are emphasizing.
4. 4Insert the particle 之. Here, it acts as an object-fronting marker.
5. 5Close the sentence with the verb 有 (to have/exist).
6. 6Result: 何 + [Noun] + 之 + 有?
7. 7Example: 何 + 难 (difficulty) + 之 + 有 = 何难之有? (What difficulty is there?)

You want to use this in formal writing or high-level speeches. It’s perfect for debates or persuasive arguments. Imagine you are in a job interview. They ask if you can handle the pressure. You reply: 何惧之有? (What is there to fear?). It sounds much more confident than a simple "I'm not afraid." It’s also great for classical literature analysis. If you're reading the Analects, you'll see it everywhere. Use it when you want to sound sophisticated. Use it when you want to dismiss an idea completely. It works beautifully in wedding toasts or graduation speeches too. It adds a layer of cultural depth. It shows you understand the roots of the language.

Don't use this at the grocery store. Asking the cashier 何贵之有? (What high price is there?) might get you some very confused stares. It is too formal for daily chores. Avoid it in casual text messages with close friends. Unless, of course, you are being intentionally dramatic or funny. It doesn't work well with specific, physical objects. You wouldn't say 何手机之有? for "What phone do I have?". Stick to abstract nouns like worry, difficulty, or regret. Using it too much makes you sound like a time traveler from the Tang Dynasty. Moderation is key. Save it for the moments that really matter.

A big mistake is forgetting the 之. People often say 何难有, which is just broken. Another mistake is using it for literal questions. If you actually want to know *what* someone has, don't use this. Remember, this is a rhetorical move. It's a fancy way of saying "nothing." Don't pair it with modern slang. Mixing 何...之有 with 太给力了 creates a weird stylistic clash. It’s like wearing a tuxedo with flip-flops. Also, don't confuse 何 with 谁 (who). This pattern strictly uses 何. Finally, make sure the noun in the middle is actually a noun. Using a complex verb string here will make the sentence collapse under its own weight.

Let’s look at 有什么.... This is your everyday bread and butter. It’s neutral and functional. 有何... is the middle ground. It's slightly formal but still follows modern word order. 何...之有 is the final boss. It’s the most formal and the most emphatic.

• Modern: 有什么困难? (Is there any difficulty?)
• Semi-formal: 有何困难? (What difficulty is there?)
• Classical: 何难之有? (What difficulty could there possibly be?)

Another similar one is 何...为. But that means "Why [verb]?", focusing on purpose. Our pattern 何...之有 focuses purely on existence.