凭 (on the basis of / by)
"On the strength of…"
- to lean against凭 = "on the basis of / relying on / by".
- to lean against凭to make an effort努力，he / him他success成功(completed / change)了 = "through sheer effort, he succeeded."
- admission by ticket only凭票入场 = "admission by ticket."
to lean against凭 + (basis)，…
- to lean against凭 names what something rests on or relies upon.
by凭effort努力，he他succeed成功了。
- to lean against凭to make an effort努力，he / him他success成功(completed / change)了 = "on the strength of effort, he succeeded."
Explore
Correct or broken?
凭 claims the basis: by this card, on this effort, by what right?
Practice
On the strength of effort, he succeeded: ____ 努力，他成功了。
凭 + (basis) = on the basis of: 凭努力,他成功了.
Practice
凭票入场 means “admission by ticket”.
Yes — 凭 + ticket = enter on the basis of a ticket.
Recap
Key idea
- to lean against凭 + (basis)，… — "on the basis of / by / relying on"
- to lean against凭to make an effort努力 · admission by ticket only凭票入场
- to lean against凭what什么 = "on what grounds? / why should …?" (a challenge)
Read the full reference: HSK 5 grammar — Prepositions.
Practice
What does 凭什么 express?
凭什么 challenges the basis for something.