表示两事在时间上相承used to express a sequential temporal relationship

• 炮弹坠地，则火光迸裂。

  When the shell hits the ground, flames burst forth.

表示对比used to express a contrast

• 今则不然。

  Now, that is not the case.

表示因果或情理上的联系used to express cause and effect

• 饥则食

  eat when one is hungry

• 物体热则涨，冷则缩。

  Objects expand when hot and contract when cool.

• 如无计划，则将陷于盲动。

  Without a plan, one is left stabbing in the dark.

表示让步indicates a concession

• 好则好，只是太少。

  They are good, but there are just too few of them.

表示列举used when giving examples or listing reasons

• 一则觉悟高，二则技术好。

  Firstly, their awareness is good, and secondly, they have good technique.

规范example

• 以身作则

  set a personal example

规则rule

• 总则

  general rule

• 工作细则

  detailed working rules

效法<书>to follow

是to be

• 此则余之过也。

  This is my mistake.