How to use 以后
以后 + Clause / Subj. + 以后 + Verb + Obj.
以后 can establish a later period without giving a precise date. Used on its own as a time expression, it often means “in the future” or “from now on.” It can come before the subject or after it, while remaining before the main predicate that describes the later situation.
The reference point is important. A narrative about past events can also use 以后 for what happened afterward, so the word does not automatically impose future tense. When it follows a named time or event, it means after that reference point. Choose any modal or negative according to the intended statement. The verb does not change form merely because the sentence looks forward.
Examples with pinyin and English
以后你们会想我吗？
In the future, will you miss me?
以后你想来中国吗？
In the future, do you want to come to China?
我以后不喝酒了。
I will not drink alcohol in the future.
我们以后不在这里工作了。
We will not work here in the future.
What to remember
- Place 以后 before the main predicate.
- Identify the relevant earlier reference point.
- Later events can belong to a past story.
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Source and editorial notes
Explanation rewritten for Laowai. Examples are adapted from the Laowai English grammar curriculum, with editorial corrections where needed. The original curriculum credits AllSet Learning’s Chinese Grammar Wiki as used with permission. Read the retained source credits.
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