How to use 来
通过 / 用 + Method + 来 + Verb Phrase
来 can connect a way of doing something with the result you want to achieve. The first part identifies the tool, channel, or method; the verb phrase after 来 explains its purpose. In this use, 来 does not describe movement toward the speaker. Think of the relationship as using one action or resource to accomplish another.
The examples introduce methods with 用 or 通过, including apps, training, and negotiation. Keep the purpose verb after 来, and put any object with that verb. English may translate the sentence using “to,” “through,” or “by,” rather than a separate expression meaning “in order to.”
Examples with pinyin and English
用这种方法来赚钱，真丢人。
It's shameful to earn money in this way.
很多年轻人用手机 APP 来点外卖。
A lot of young people use apps on their cell phones to order food.
父母不应该经常用钱来奖励孩子。
Parents shouldn't often use money to reward their children.
用这个 APP 来学汉字更容易。
It's easier to use this app to study Chinese characters.
What to remember
- Put the method before 来.
- Place the intended action after 来.
- Read 来 as purpose, rather than physical arrival.
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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.
Difficulty labels describe the level of the explanation; they are not official HSK placement. Send a correction with this page’s URL.