以grammar point · tier 1 · instrumental/means 以 (by means of, via)
· yǐ
Coverb that names the means, method, or channel an action is carried out through; formal counterpart of 用.
字源 FORM what the parts do
以 is rendered bare; its origin (a plow, a person carrying) carries no claimed role, and the sound is not spelled by any part. What it does is positional: 以 sits ahead of the means, and the action that runs through that means comes after it.
故事 STORY a scene to remember it by
The channel is named first; the message goes out along it.
字源記憶法
框 · Frame
[subj] 以 [means/method] [verb phrase]
觸 · Trigger
You want to name the means, method, or channel an action passes through, in a formal or written register.
序 · The move
1Name the actor, then put 以 + the means it acts through.Is this the means/method/channel of the action, not the thing acted on? If the object acted on, reach for 把.
2State the verb phrase that runs through that means.Does a real action follow, not 以 left stranded with no verb?
3Keep the register formal or written.Spoken and concrete-tool? 用 is the everyday partner; 以 leans written and abstract.
例 · Examples
1今天所討論的suǒ tǎolùn de — what was discussed，如果有任何建議jiànyì — suggestion，歡迎以yǐ — by means of, via電子郵件diànzǐ yóujiàn — email提出tíchū — to put forward, raise。
On what was discussed today, any suggestions are welcome, put forward by email.
Same job, split register. 用 is the everyday spoken means coverb and favors a concrete tool you handle (用筷子吃飯). 以 leans written and favors an abstract means or method (以電子郵件提出 — by email; 以這種方法 — by this method). Formal/abstract vs everyday/concrete.
English puts 'by email' / 'with this method' after the verb ('submit it by email'); the Chinese means comes before the verb, so learners strand it at the end or default to spoken 用 in a formal notice.