By Means Of (通过)
通过
The preposition 通过 (tōngguò) means "through" or "by means of" and is used to describe the method or channel through which something is accomplished.
Pattern
通过 + Method/Channel + Verb Phrase
Explanation
通过 functions as both a preposition meaning "through/by means of" and a verb meaning "to pass through." As a preposition, it introduces the method, medium, or intermediary used to achieve something. It appears before the method and is typically followed by the result or action.
In formal and written Chinese, 通过 is extremely common. It can introduce a wide range of methods: people (通过朋友), activities (通过学习), channels (通过网络), or processes (通过努力). The pattern 通过...来... is especially common, where 来 introduces the purpose or result.
Note that 通过 as a verb means "to pass" (as in passing an exam or approval), which is a related but distinct usage. Context makes the distinction clear.
Examples
Common Mistakes
Wrong
我用通过电话联系他。
Correct
我通过电话联系他。
通过 already means "by means of" — do not add 用 before it.
Wrong
通过他帮助了我。
Correct
通过他的帮助，我解决了问题。
通过 introduces the method for a subsequent action. The sentence needs a clear subject and result clause.
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