Processing keyword: ～につれて (〜ni tsurete)

Japanese Grammar Point: ～につれて (〜ni tsurete)

1. Introduction

The grammar expression ～につれて (〜ni tsurete) is used in Japanese to indicate that as one thing changes, another thing changes alongside it. It expresses a correlation where one change leads to another. This construction is often translated as:

• "As..."
• "In proportion to..."
• "Along with..."

---

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• Expresses a proportional or simultaneous change: As A changes, B changes.
• Highlights the correlation between two events or states that evolve together.

Structure

Formation Diagram

[Verb (Dictionary Form)] + につれて + [Change]
[Noun] + につれて + [Change]

Components

• [Verb (Dictionary Form)] / [Noun]: Indicates the initial change or action (A).
• につれて: Connective particle meaning "as" or "in proportion to."
• [Change]: The resulting change or effect (B).

Detailed Explanation

• The verb preceding につれて is typically one that signifies a change or progression.
• につれて connects two clauses, indicating that the change in the first clause leads to a change in the second clause.
• The expression emphasizes that the two changes occur simultaneously and are directly related.

---

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

～にしたがって (〜ni shitagatte)

• Meaning: "As..." or "In accordance with..."
• Usage: Similar to ～につれて, but can also imply following rules or guidelines.
• Nuance:
  • ～につれて: Focuses on natural, simultaneous changes.
  • ～にしたがって: Can include deliberate or rule-based changes.

～とともに (〜to tomo ni)

• Meaning: "Together with..." or "As..."
• Usage: Indicates that two actions or changes occur simultaneously.
• Nuance:
  • ～とともに: Can be used for simultaneous actions or changes.
  • ～につれて: Specifically about changes that occur in tandem due to a correlation.

---

4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

1. As the population increases, the town becomes lively.
   • Japanese: 人口が増えるにつれて、町が賑やかになってきた。
   • Romaji: Jinkō ga fueru ni tsurete, machi ga nigiyaka ni natte kita.
   • Explanation: The increase in population leads to the town becoming more lively.
2. As one gets older, memory tends to decline.
   • Japanese: 年を取るにつれて、記憶力が衰えてくる。
   • Romaji: Toshi o toru ni tsurete, kiokuryoku ga otoroete kuru.
   • Explanation: Aging results in a decline of memory ability.
3. As technology advances, life becomes more convenient.
   • Japanese: 技術が進歩するにつれて、生活が便利になる。
   • Romaji: Gijutsu ga shinpo suru ni tsurete, seikatsu ga benri ni naru.
   • Explanation: Technological progress leads to a more convenient life.
4. As we climb higher, the air becomes thinner.
   • Japanese: 高く登るにつれて、空気が薄くなる。
   • Romaji: Takaku noboru ni tsurete, kūki ga usuku naru.
   • Explanation: Climbing higher results in thinner air.
5. With the spread of the internet, information becomes easily accessible.
   • Japanese: インターネットが普及するにつれて、情報が手に入りやすくなった。
   • Romaji: Intānetto ga fukyū suru ni tsurete, jōhō ga te ni hairi yasuku natta.
   • Explanation: The spread of the internet makes information more accessible.

---

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Usage in Formal Contexts: ～につれて is commonly used in formal writing and speech, such as news reports, academic texts, and formal presentations.
• Expressing Trends: Often employed to discuss societal trends, natural phenomena, or any scenarios where two factors change together over time.

Levels of Politeness

• Neutral Politeness: The expression is polite and appropriate for both formal and semi-formal situations.
• Versatility: Can be used regardless of the speaker's social status relative to the listener.

---

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

1. Using the Wrong Verb Form
   • Incorrect: 人口が増えてにつれて、町が変わる。
     • Using the te-form "増えて" instead of the dictionary form.
   • Correct: 人口が増えるにつれて、町が変わる。
2. Confusing with Other Expressions
   • Mixing up with ～とともに or ～にしたがって without understanding the nuances.
   • Tip: Focus on the cause-and-effect relationship unique to ～につれて.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Associate つれて with "to lead." Think of one change leading to another.
• Practice Pairing Changes: Create sentences by pairing natural progressions (e.g., "As the day progresses, the temperature rises").
• Visualizing Correlations: Draw graphs or charts to visualize how one variable affects another.

---

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• ～につれて is used to express that as one thing changes, another thing changes correspondingly.
• The structure is:
  • [Verb (Dictionary Form)] + につれて + [Resulting Change]
  • [Noun] + につれて + [Resulting Change]
• Focuses on the simultaneous and proportional relationship between two changes.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank: 温度が下がる____、湖が凍り始めた。
   • Answer: につれて
2. True or False: The verb before につれて should be in the te-form.
   • Answer: False. It should be in the dictionary (plain) form.
3. Choose the correct sentence using ～につれて: a) 話すにつれて、日本語が上手になる。
   b) 話すにつれて、日本語が上手になった。
   c) 話せば話すほど、日本語が上手になる。
   • Answer: a) 話すにつれて、日本語が上手になる。

---

Congratulations! You've learned how to use ～につれて to express correlated changes in Japanese.

---

© Hanabira.org