以至 / 以至于(yǐzhì / yǐzhìyú)
To Such an Extent That
Structure Pattern
Explanation
以至于 (yǐzhìyú) or 以至 (yǐzhì) connects a cause and an extreme result. It shows that a situation progressed or escalated to such a high degree that it resulted in a specific, often surprisingly extreme, outcome. It translates to "so much so that" or "to the extent that."
Usage Notes:
- It often connects two clauses. The first clause describes the situation, and the clause starting with 以至于 describes the resulting extreme consequence.
- It is mostly used in formal or written Chinese.
Example Sentences
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Tā gōngzuò tài máng le, yǐzhìyú wàng le zìjǐ de shēngrì.
He was so busy with work, to the extent that he forgot his own birthday.
Wàimiàn de yǔ xià de hěn dà, yǐzhìyú wǒmen gēnběn tīng bú dào bǐcǐ de shēngyīn.
The rain outside was so heavy, so much so that we couldn't hear each other at all.
Kējì fāzhǎn de rúcǐ zhī kuài, yǐzhì hěn duō hángyè dōu bèi chèdǐ gǎibiàn le.
Technology developed so rapidly, to the point that many industries were completely transformed.
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
因为我饿了，以至于我吃饭。
Correct Usage
因为我饿了，所以我吃饭。
以至于 must introduce an *extreme* or *surprising* result caused by the intensity of the first clause. Eating because you are hungry is a normal result, so use 所以.
Master 以至 / 以至于
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