Taking X as Y with 以…为… — Chinese grammar (HSK 4)

以 + A + 为 + B

以…为… (yǐ ... wéi ...) is a compact written pattern meaning "take A as B" or "regard A as B". It is common in set phrases such as 以…为主 (mainly rely on ...) and 以…为目的 (with ... as the goal). Here 为 is read wéi, not wèi.

Examples

这个城市以旅游为主要收入。 Zhè ge chéngshì yǐ lǚyóu wéi zhǔyào shōurù.	This city relies on tourism as its main income.
他以成为医生为理想。 Tā yǐ chéngwéi yīshēng wéi lǐxiǎng.	His dream is to become a doctor.
这次活动以学习汉语为目的。 Zhè cì huódòng yǐ xuéxí Hànyǔ wéi mùdì.	The purpose of this activity is learning Chinese.

Tip: Remember the reading 为 wéi ("as") in this pattern, not wèi ("for").