长此以往
if things go on like this; in the long run (introducing a bad consequence)
Structure
不好的现状 ， 长此以往 ， （主语） 会／必然／势必 坏的结果
What it means
'If this goes on for long': a set connector that points back to a habit or situation just described and introduces a bad result.
How it is built
Bad situation，长此以往，(subject) + 会／必然／势必 + bad result: 他每天只睡五个小时，长此以往，身体肯定会出问题 (He sleeps five hours a night; if that goes on, his health will suffer).
When to use it
Formal in tone but common in speech too. It heads its clause and is followed by a comma; 后果不堪设想 often ends the sentence. Compare 久而久之 (over time), which is neutral and can lead to good or bad results.
Watch out
Not for good results: ✗长此以往，一定会有进步 ✓坚持下去，一定会有进步. Use 久而久之 when the outcome is good.
Examples
他每天只睡五个小时，长此以往，身体肯定会出问题。
He sleeps only five hours a night; if he keeps that up, his health is bound to suffer.
孩子一哭就给手机，长此以往，孩子就离不开手机了。
Hand a child a phone every time she cries, and before long she won’t be able to do without it.
有些工厂把污水直接排进河里，长此以往，河里的鱼都会死光。
Some factories pour waste water straight into the river; if this goes on, every fish in it will die.
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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