によって

By/depending on

Level 3Sounds Like niyotte

によって is a versatile intermediate pattern used to show that one thing is grounded in or hinges on another. It is primarily used in formal or objective contexts like news, reports, and literature.

How It Works

によって is the te-form of the verb よる（依る・因る - to depend/be based on）. It has five primary functions:

  • Variation (Depending on): Used with verbs like 違う（ちがう - to differ）or 変わる（かわる - to change）. It shows that the outcome varies based on the factor mentioned.
  • によっては (In some cases): When は is added, it highlights a specific case or possibility among many (e.g., 'Depending on the person, [some people] might...').
  • Agent (By): Used in passive sentences to mark the creator, inventor, or discoverer of something (e.g., 'written by...'). Note: This is only for significant creations/discoveries; it is not used for everyday actions like being scolded by a teacher.
  • Cause/Reason (Due to): Expresses an objective cause, often for natural disasters or social phenomena. It is more formal than ので or から.
  • Means/Method (Through/By means of): Indicates the method used to achieve a result. It is a formal version of the particle で. Note: It is used for abstract or significant methods (e.g., 'through research') and cannot be used for simple physical tools like chopsticks or a bus.

Note on Forms:
In very formal writing, you may see により used as a connector between clauses. When modifying a noun directly, による is used (e.g., 'a meeting by the students' = 学生による会議). Additionally, による can be used at the end of a sentence as a predicate to mean 'It depends on...' or 'It is due to...'.

Examples (5)

  1. 人によって考え方が違います。

    Ways of thinking differ depending on the person.

    Word by Word: Person / depending on / way of thinking / (subject) / differ.

    This demonstrates the 'Variation' meaning, showing that the result (thinking) changes based on the factor (the person).

  2. この小説は夏目漱石によって書かれました。

    This novel was written by Natsume Soseki.

    Word by Word: This / novel / (topic) / Natsume Soseki / by / was written.

    This uses the 'Agent' meaning. In passive sentences involving creation or discovery, によって is used instead of the simple particle に.

  3. 不注意によって事故が起きた。

    An accident occurred due to carelessness.

    Word by Word: Carelessness / due to / accident / (subject) / occurred.

    This shows 'Cause/Reason.' It points to 'carelessness' as the objective cause of the accident.

  4. インターネットによって情報を集めます。

    I collect information through the internet.

    Word by Word: Internet / by means of / information / (object) / collect.

    This demonstrates 'Means/Method,' showing the tool or system used to achieve the goal.

  5. 国によっては、お酒を飲むことが禁止されている。

    Depending on the country, drinking alcohol is prohibited.

    Word by Word: Country / depending on (specifically) / alcohol / (object) / drinking / (subject) / prohibited / is.

    Adding は to create によっては highlights specific cases or exceptions within the variation.

Common Mistakes

  • Using によって for hearsay (reporting news).

    天気予報によって、明日は雨です。
    天気予報によると、明日は雨です。

    For reporting information ('According to...'), you must use によると. によって is for cause, method, or variation, not for citing a source of information.

  • Using によって for simple personal passive actions.

    お母さんによって叱られた。
    お母さんに叱られた。

    For everyday passive actions (like being scolded or praised), the particle に is used. によって is reserved for formal 'creation' (writing books, inventing things) or large-scale events.

How It Connects

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によってLevel 3By/depending on

Learn This First

によって is a versatile compound particle used to indicate an agent in passive constructions, a method/means, or a cause. Understanding the basic particles 'に' and 'で' is essential, as is familiarity with the passive voice, since marking the doer of an action is one of its primary functions.

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Words in This Pattern

依る