HSK 6
以至(于)
yǐzhì( yú)
as a result
Structure
Cause/Situation + 以至(于) + Result/Degree
How it works
以至(于) is a conjunction used to indicate that a situation has developed to a certain degree or resulted in a specific outcome, often an extreme or unintended one. It can also mark the extension of a range, time, or scope, similar to 'down to' or 'up to'. It is frequently used in formal writing to connect a cause with its logical consequence.
Examples
他当时太紧张了，以至于忘了要说什么。
Tā dāngshí tài jǐnzhāng le, yǐzhìyú wàngle yào shuō shénme.
He was so nervous at that time that he forgot what he wanted to say.
这种药的副作用很小，以至于可以忽略不计。
Zhè zhǒng yào de fùzuòyòng hěn xiǎo, yǐzhìyú kěyǐ hūlüè bù jì.
The side effects of this medicine are so small that they can be ignored.
我们要保护自然环境，以至子孙后代都能受益。
Wǒmen yào bǎohù zìrán huánjìng, yǐzhì zǐsūn hòudài dōu néng shòuyì.
We must protect the natural environment so that future generations can benefit.
Common mistakes
Do not confuse 以至于 with 以致; while both indicate a result, 以致 is used almost exclusively for negative or disastrous consequences, whereas 以至于 is more neutral and emphasizes degree.
Tip
If you can replace the word with 'so... that...' in English, 以至于 is likely the correct choice. The '于' is optional but often added for rhythm and formality.
More HSK 6 grammar
See 以至(于) in real Chinese
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