Causal: (由于)……以致…… (So That / To Such an Extent)
因果复句：（由于）……，以致……
Express cause and (usually negative) consequence using 以致 to show an undesirable result
The optional 由于 introduces the cause, and 以致 introduces the consequence. 以致 specifically implies that the result is undesirable, unintended, or regrettable.
以致 (yǐzhì) carries a strong implication of negative consequences. It means "so that / with the result that" but almost always refers to bad outcomes. For neutral or positive results, use 从而 or 因此 instead.
Lesson Targets
Podcast
Podcast: Causal: (由于)……以致…… (So That / To Such an Extent) (因果复句：（由于）……，以致……)
Listen to Jason & Amy explain the 因果复句：（由于）……，以致…… pattern
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Understanding 因果复句：（由于）……，以致……
The connector 以致 is your tool for expressing unfortunate cause-and-effect chains. When something goes wrong because of a preceding action or situation, 以致 links them with a tone of regret or criticism. 他由于学习不认真，以致考了最后一名 (Because he didn't study seriously, he ended up last in the exam). Notice the critical nuance: 以致 almost always introduces a BAD result. This makes it different from 所以 (neutral) and 因此 (formal but neutral). Using 以致 signals to the listener that what follows is an unfortunate, undesirable, or regrettable consequence. This pattern is common in formal writing, news reports, and analytical discussion.
Key Points
- 以致 (yǐzhì) = "so that / with the result that" — implies NEGATIVE consequences.
- 由于 is optional but common in the cause clause — it adds formality.
- 以致 is more formal than 结果 and more specifically negative than 所以.
- The result clause after 以致 almost always describes something bad or regrettable.
- Do not use 以致 for positive outcomes — use 从而 or 以至于 instead.
- 以致 appears frequently in news reporting and analytical writing.
- Common pattern: 由于 + negligence/error + 以致 + bad outcome.
Chinese news writing frequently uses 以致 when reporting on accidents, policy failures, or mistakes. Understanding this pattern helps you read Chinese news critically and identify cause-effect reasoning in formal contexts.
Key Vocabulary
Example Sentences
他由于学习不认真，以致考了最后一名。
Because he didn't study seriously, he ended up last in the exam.
他睡过头了，以致错过了第一节课。
He overslept, and as a result missed his first class.
由于管理不善，以致公司损失惨重。
Due to poor management, the company suffered heavy losses.
他长期忽视健康，以致疾病缠身。
He neglected his health for a long time, and as a result was plagued by illness.
由于准备不充分，以致在谈判中处于被动地位。
Due to inadequate preparation, they found themselves in a passive position during negotiations.
他做事太马虎，以致犯了一个严重的错误。
He was too careless, and as a result made a serious mistake.
Common Mistakes
以致 implies a NEGATIVE result. Getting first place is positive — use 从而 (thereby) instead.
The cause (由于) must come BEFORE the result (以致). The order cannot be reversed.
Practice Exercises
Tips & Tricks
The golden rule for 以致: the result must be BAD. If the outcome is good, reach for 从而 or 因此 instead.
Read Chinese news articles about accidents or failures — 以致 appears frequently in explaining what went wrong.
Pair 以致 with responsibility language: 由于疏忽大意，以致…… (Due to negligence, the result was...).
In essays, 以致 adds analytical weight — it shows you can identify cause-effect chains critically.
Homework
Write four cause-and-effect sentences using 以致, each describing a different type of negative outcome: academic failure, health problems, business losses, and relationship damage. Use 由于 in at least two of the sentences.