HSK 7
⋯⋯ ，甚至于⋯⋯
⋯ ⋯ ， shèn zhì yú ⋯ ⋯
The structure '甚至于' emphasizing a higher degree
Explanation
甚至于 (shènzhìyú) is used in a progressive compound sentence (a sentence with several clauses where the later clause states a stronger degree than the earlier one) to push the meaning to an extreme case, equivalent to "even to the point of…". It is a more formal form of 甚至 (shènzhì).
…，甚至于 (shènzhìyú) + [extreme case] + (也/都 + negation). The following clause usually has 也 (yě) or 都 (dōu) to emphasize "even… also…".
when you want to add an extreme, surprising degree beyond what has already been said, building the sentence to a climax; it leans slightly toward written usage.
甚至于 and 甚至 mean the same ("even"), but 甚至于 is a bit more formal; it usually needs 也/都 afterward to complete the sense of "even… also…".
forgetting 也/都 in the following clause, which weakens the emphasis; placing 甚至于 in a clause milder than the earlier one (illogical for a progressive structure, where the later clause must be stronger).
Examples
She cannot bear this thought—she cannot stand it even for a single second.
This little girl has stayed exactly the same all along—she hasn't even grown a bit taller.
Practice
Test your understanding with a quick quiz
Learn “⋯⋯ ，甚至于⋯⋯” effectively
The grammar point “⋯⋯ ，甚至于⋯⋯” (The structure '甚至于' emphasizing a higher degree) is one of the key structures at HSK 7. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.
Study tip: read the examples aloud many times to build a natural reflex. Then try making your own sentences for your own situations. Use the audio button to hear and practice accurate pronunciation.
You can also view the full “” lesson to understand the related grammar and vocabulary more deeply.