Topic & Scope Prepositions "至于 / 关于 / 对于 / 就…而言"

Pattern

• 至于 + Topic，Clause
• 关于 / 对于 + Topic，Subject + Verb phrase
• 就 + Scope + 而言，Clause

Usage

• These four topic and scope prepositional structures appear constantly in formal writing and must be carefully distinguished at HSK 7–9:
• (1) 关于 ("about / concerning"): introduces a broad topic or subject matter; can stand alone in titles (关于环保问题) and usually stands at the very beginning of a sentence (关于这个问题，大家有什么看法?).
• (2) 对于 ("toward / with regard to"): points to the specific target or recipient toward which the subject's attitude, evaluation, or action is directed; can appear either before or after the subject (对于环境保护，我们必须采取行动 / 我们对于这个建议表示赞同).
• (3) 至于

Examples

1. 1

   至于具体细节,我们以后再讨论。

   Zhìyú jùtǐ xìjié, wǒmen yǐhòu zài tǎolùn.

   As for the specific details, we will discuss them later.

2. 2

   关于这个问题,大家有什么看法?

   Guānyú zhège wèntí, dàjiā yǒu shénme kànfǎ?

   Regarding this issue, what views does everyone have?

3. 3

   对于环境保护,我们必须采取行动。

   Duìyú huánjìng bǎohù, wǒmen bìxū cǎiqǔ xíngdòng.

   With regard to environmental protection, we must take action.

4. 4