Let Alone with 何况
Using 何况 to express let alone or much less in escalating arguments
Pattern
Statement A, 何况 + Statement B (stronger case)
Explanation
何况 is used to introduce a stronger case that supports the argument made in the first clause. It means let alone, much less, or not to mention. The logic is: if A is already the case, then B is even more so.
何况 often works with 连...都/也 in the first clause to set up the escalation. It can be used in both positive and negative contexts. In positive contexts it means all the more so; in negative contexts it means much less or let alone.
Examples
这道题连老师都不会做，何况学生呢？
Zhè dào tí lián lǎoshī dōu bú huì zuò, hékuàng xuéshēng ne?
Even the teacher cannot solve this problem, let alone the students.
大人都觉得累，何况孩子。
Dàrén dōu juéde lèi, hékuàng háizi.
Even adults feel tired, not to mention children.
他连自己都照顾不好，何况别人。
Tā lián zìjǐ dōu zhàogù bù hǎo, hékuàng biérén.
He cannot even take care of himself, let alone others.
Common Mistakes
何况这道题很难，老师都不会。
这道题连老师都不会，何况学生。
何况 must come in the second clause to introduce the stronger case. The weaker case comes first to set up the comparison.
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