How to use 以…的名义
以 + person / organization / stated cause + 的名义 + action
以…的名义 explains the name, authority, or stated cause under which an action is carried out. It can describe legitimate representation, a formal declaration, or someone invoking a justification. The wording alone does not establish whether that authority is valid or the motive sincere. Context determines whether the speaker is reporting proper representation or criticizing a pretext.
Put the person, organization, or cause between 以 and 的名义, then state the action. The possessive 的 is the normal link before 名义 in this construction. Identify who actually acts separately if necessary, because the named authority is not always the grammatical subject. This keeps representation distinct from simply doing something for another person's benefit.
Examples with pinyin and English
不要以我的名义给公司写信, 公司会找我麻烦的。
Don't write to the company in my name, they will give me trouble.
这个人是个诈骗犯, 所以以政府的名义起诉了他。
This person is a fraud and was sued in the name of the government.
以保护生命的名义去屠杀其他种族的人, 并不是道德的。
It is morally wrong to kill people of other races in the name of protecting life.
多少人以朋友的名义, 爱着一个人。
How many people love a person in the name of friends.
What to remember
- Keep 的 before 名义 in the standard pattern.
- Distinguish the actor from the name or authority invoked.
- Use context to assess whether the stated justification is sincere.
Practise the pattern
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Source and editorial notes
Explanation rewritten for Laowai. Examples are adapted from the Laowai English grammar curriculum, with editorial corrections where needed. The original curriculum credits AllSet Learning’s Chinese Grammar Wiki as used with permission. Read the retained source credits.
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