The phrase "放之四海而皆准" is formed through a sequential grammatical structure: it begins with the verb 放 (to place) followed by the object marker 之, then 四海 (the four seas, representing all locations), the conjunction 而 links to the adverb 皆 (all), and ends with the adjective 准 (accurate), collectively constructing a fixed expression that denotes a truth or principle which holds true universally when applied anywhere.