Noun / Verb (dictionary form) + に至って

[When it comes to; upon reaching (a critical point)]

Connection: Noun / Verb (dictionary form) + に至って

Usage: Indicates that a situation has reached a critical or extreme stage, and only then does a certain realization or action occur. Often implies the action should have happened sooner. Used in formal contexts.

Variations:

• に至って: upon reaching a situation
• に至っては: as for (extreme case), often used to single out the worst case
• に至るまで: up to and including; all the way to

Examples:

事態がここに至って、ようやく対策が取られた。(Only when the situation reached this point were measures finally taken.)

病気が重くなるに至って、初めて健康のありがたさを知った。(Only when my illness became serious did I realize the value of health for the first time.)

問題が深刻化するに至って、政府はついに動き出した。(When the problem became serious, the government finally took action.)