以后
Pattern
Event / time + 以后
Key words
Core idea
以后 means after or later. It follows the time or event that sets the reference point.
The whole time phrase can then frame the main clause.
Compare with when phrases
的时候 means when or at the time of. 以后 means after that time or event. The position is similar, but the time relationship is different.
Examples
下课以后，我去吃饭。
Xiàkè yǐhòu, wǒ qù chīfàn.
After class, I will go eat.
我到家以后给你电话。
Wǒ dào jiā yǐhòu gěi nǐ diànhuà.
I will call you after I get home.
十点以后，他不喝咖啡。
Shí diǎn yǐhòu, tā bù hē kāfēi.
After ten o’clock, he does not drink coffee.
Common mistakes
Avoid
以后下课，我去吃饭。
Use
下课以后，我去吃饭。
以后 follows the event or time expression it means after.
Seen in stories
The Group Chat Apology
林悦把事情讲清楚以后，群里一下子安静下来。
After Lin Yue explained the matter clearly, the group suddenly quieted down.
The Group Chat Apology
物业趁大家心情好，顺便提醒居民以后取件要看清姓名。
While everyone was in a good mood, the property office reminded residents to check names carefully when picking up packages.
The Rooftop Bento Party
从那天以后，顶楼不只是晒棉被的地方，也像一个小小的客厅。
From that day on, the rooftop was not only a place to dry quilts; it also felt like a small living room.