Usage of 以致
The phrase 以致 is used to indicate a cause-and-effect relationship where the cause leads to an undesirable or notable result. It often translates as "to such an extent as to" or "resulting in". It is commonly used in formal or written Chinese to connect two clauses, where the first clause describes a situation or action, and the second clause shows the consequence.
Common Collocations
- 以致 + negative outcome: Used to highlight an unintended or negative consequence.
- 以致 + result clause: Emphasizes the extent or degree of the cause leading to the result.
Important Notes
- 以致 usually appears in the middle of a sentence connecting two clauses.
- It often implies a negative or problematic outcome, so it is less common with positive results.
- Do not confuse 以致 with 所以 or 因为...所以, which are more neutral causal connectors.
Example Patterns
This structure helps learners express cause and effect with a nuance of severity or unexpected consequence.