Fixed Pattern: (自)……以来 (since / ever since)
（自）……以来
Use (自)……以来 to express "since" a point in time, describing what has happened from then until now
以来 follows a time point or event to mean "since." The optional 自 before the time point makes it more formal. The pattern introduces a time frame from a past point up to the present.
自 is optional but adds formality. Without 自, the pattern is slightly more casual: 上大学以来 vs. 自上大学以来. The main clause typically describes something that has been continuous or ongoing since that time, often using 一直 (always/continuously).
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Fixed Pattern: (自)……以来 (since / ever since) (（自）……以来)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the （自）……以来 pattern
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Understanding （自）……以来
The pattern (自)……以来 is the Chinese equivalent of "since" or "ever since" in English. It marks a starting point in time and indicates that everything described in the main clause has been true from that point until now. For example, 自去年以来，我一直生活在北京 means "Since last year, I have been living in Beijing." The pattern consists of three parts: the optional 自 (since — adds formality), a time point or event, and 以来 (from that time onward). The time reference can be specific (去年, 2020年) or event-based (上大学, 有了孩子). What follows in the main clause is typically a continuous state or ongoing action, often marked by 一直 (continuously) or 都 (all along). This pattern is common in both spoken and written Chinese, appearing in news reports, personal narratives, and formal speeches. Adding 自 makes it slightly more literary; omitting it keeps it conversational.
Key Points
- 以来 = "since (that time)" — follows a time word or event.
- 自 before the time point is optional and adds formality.
- Common structure: (自) + time/event + 以来，+ main clause.
- Main clause often includes 一直 (continuously) or 都 (all along).
- Time references can be specific dates or events: 去年以来, 毕业以来.
- Very common in news, narratives, and formal writing.
In Chinese news and official reports, 以来 is extremely common for discussing policy changes, economic trends, and historical events: 改革开放以来 (since the Reform and Opening Up) is one of the most frequently heard phrases in Chinese media and politics, referring to the economic reforms that began in 1978.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
自去年以来，我一直生活在北京。
Since last year, I have been living in Beijing.
上大学以来，他一直坚持学习中文。
Since starting college, he has been studying Chinese consistently.
自有了孩子以来，她每天都很忙。
Ever since having a child, she has been busy every day.
来中国以来，我交了很多朋友。
Since coming to China, I have made many friends.
自开学以来，他没有缺过一次课。
Since the semester started, he has not missed a single class.
三年以来，这座城市变化很大。
Over the past three years, this city has changed a lot.
自从事这份工作以来，他学到了很多。
Since taking up this job, he has learned a great deal.
Common Mistakes
以来 must come AFTER the time word, not before it. The order is: time + 以来.
以来 refers to a period from the past to now. It cannot be used with future time words like 明天. For future starting points, use 从…开始.
以来 implies a continuous period from past to present. Use 一直 or 都 to emphasize the ongoing nature. A simple 了 makes it sound like a completed one-time action.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
Use 以来 when you want to emphasize "from that point until now" — it highlights the duration.
Adding 自 makes your sentence more formal and literary — good for writing and presentations.
Pair 以来 with 一直 for natural-sounding sentences: 以来 + 一直 = "since... has been continuously..."
Remember: 以来 looks backward from the present. For future plans, use 从…开始 instead.
Homework
Write six sentences about your life using (自)……以来. Three should use specific time points (去年, 2020年, etc.) and three should use events (上大学, 来这个城市, 开始工作, etc.). Use 一直 in at least four of them.