到了…的地步
to reach the point where …; to get so bad that …
Structure
主语 （已经／甚至） 到了 极端的情况 的地步
What it means
Things have come to an extreme state, usually a bad one: 'to reach the point where…', 'to get so bad that…'. 地步 is the state of affairs things have reached.
How it is built
Subject + (已经／甚至) + 到了 + phrase or clause + 的地步: 他沉迷网络游戏，已经到了不吃不睡的地步 (He's so hooked on online games he has stopped eating and sleeping).
When to use it
Goes with 已经, 甚至, 竟然; negative with 还没 or 不至于 (还不至于到这个地步). It can mark a non-bad extreme (认真到了…的地步), but for an ordinary good result say 达到…的水平. 到了…的程度 is similar but neutral.
Watch out
Don't drop 的: ✗到了离不开手机地步 ✓到了离不开手机的地步.
Examples
他沉迷网络游戏，已经到了不吃不睡的地步。
He is so hooked on online games that he has reached the point of not eating or sleeping.
两家公司的矛盾已经闹到了要打官司的地步。
The dispute between the two companies has got to the point where they are going to court.
事情还没到无法挽回的地步，大家先冷静一下。
Things have not yet reached the point of no return; let’s all calm down first.
Learn this in Lesson 163 · HSK 7–9: 戒不掉的瘾 (The habits we cannot break)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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