Breakdown of yǔqí zài gāofēngqī yòng pǎobùjī, bùrú xiān shàng yújiā kè.
在zài
at
先xiān
first
用yòng
to use
课kè
class
Questions & Answers about yǔqí zài gāofēngqī yòng pǎobùjī, bùrú xiān shàng yújiā kè.
What grammar pattern is 与其……不如……?
It is a very common comparison/preference pattern meaning something like:
- rather than A, it’s better to B
- instead of A, one might as well do B
In this sentence, 与其在高峰期用跑步机，不如先上瑜伽课 presents two options:
- option A: using the treadmill during peak hours
- option B: taking a yoga class first
The speaker is saying B is the better choice.
A useful way to remember it is:
- 与其 + option you are rejecting
- 不如 + option you recommend
Does 与其……不如…… sound formal?
It is not extremely formal, but it is a bit more structured and polished than very casual everyday speech. It is completely natural in conversation, writing, advice, and commentary.
In very casual speech, someone might also say things with similar meaning using other patterns, but 与其……不如…… is a standard, useful pattern that learners should know well.
Why is 在 used before 高峰期?