Condensed Written Structures
紧缩句
How it works
A 紧缩句 (jǐnsuōjù) is a condensed sentence structure in which a longer logical relation is compressed into a shorter pattern. This is especially common in formal written Chinese, where complex meanings are expressed economically.
Such structures often compress:
cause and effect
condition and result
concession
sequence
Example sentences
能改则改，不能改也得先说明原因。
If it can be changed, then change it; if it cannot, the reasons still need to be explained first.
该来的总会来，想躲也躲不过去。
What is meant to come will come eventually; even if one wants to avoid it, it cannot be avoided.
话虽如此，真正做起来却远没有说起来那么容易。
That may be so in words, but actually doing it is far from as easy as saying it.
Key point
Condensed structures are highly efficient and common in formal Chinese, but they require strong control of underlying logic.