Total Inclusivity Structure 凡是……都…… – Any / All Without Exception

Pattern

• 凡是 + Scope + 都 + Predicate
• 凡是 + Noun + 都 + Verb phrase

Usage

• The correlative pattern 凡是……都…… (fánshì... dōu...) is an advanced universalizing structure characteristic of formal prose, announcements, regulations, and philosophical discourse at the HSK 5 level.
• It translates as “all...”, “every...”, “any... whatsoever”, or “whoever/whatever... without exception”.
• 凡是 introduces the comprehensive category or restrictive criteria (often a noun phrase, a relative clause with 的, or a conditional scenario), while 都 stands before the main predicate to enforce universal compliance.
• Unlike 只要……就…… (which focuses on a sufficient triggering cause), 凡是……都…… emphasizes exhaustive category inclusion.
• In elevated literary writing,

Examples

1. 1

   凡是来过这里的人，都说这里风景很美。

   Fánshì láiguò zhèlǐ de rén, dōu shuō zhèlǐ fēngjǐng hěn měi.

   Anyone who has been here says that the scenery here is beautiful.

2. 2

   凡是他答应的事，都一定会做到。

   Fánshì tā dāying de shì, dōu yīdìng huì zuòdào.

   Whatever he promises, he will certainly accomplish.

3. 3

   凡是参加比赛的学生，都可以得到一份纪念品。

   Fánshì cānjiā bǐsài de xuésheng, dōu kěyǐ dédào yī fèn jìniànpǐn.

   Any student who participates in the competition can receive a souvenir.