Processing keyword: Verb る ことになる (〜ru koto ni naru)

Japanese Grammar Point: Verb る ことになる (〜ru koto ni naru)

1. Introduction

The Japanese grammar pattern Verbることになる (〜ることになる) is a commonly used expression that indicates that something has been decided or will happen due to circumstances beyond the speaker's control. It's a vital structure for expressing decisions, arrangements, or outcomes that are the result of external factors rather than personal choice.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

• Verbることになる is used to express that:
  • Something has been decided (often by others or circumstances).
  • An outcome or result will occur naturally or inevitably.

Structure

Formation Diagram

[Verb in Dictionary Form] + ことになる

Usage

• External Decisions: To indicate that a decision has been made by someone else or by circumstances.
  • 来月、東京に転勤することになりました。
    • It has been decided that I will transfer to Tokyo next month.
• Natural Outcomes: To express that something will happen as a natural result.
  • 頑張れば、成功することになるでしょう。
    • If you work hard, it will result in success.

3. Comparative Analysis

Verbることになる vs. Verbることにする

• Example Comparison:

  • ことになる: 来年、日本へ行くことになりました。

    • It has been decided (by others/circumstances) that I will go to Japan next year.

  • ことにする: 来年、日本へ行くことにしました。

    • I have decided to go to Japan next year.

4. Examples in Context

Formal Context

1. 会議は来週に延期することになりました。
   • The meeting has been postponed until next week.
2. 新しいシステムを導入することになった。
   • It has been decided to introduce a new system.

Informal Context

3. 急だけど、引っ越すことになったんだ。
   • It's sudden, but I'm going to move.
4. 彼女と別れることになっちゃった。
   • It turns out I've broken up with my girlfriend.

Written Context

5. 法律の改正により、税金が上がることになります。
   • Due to the amendment of the law, taxes will increase.
6. 天候不良でイベントは中止になることになりました。
   • Due to bad weather, the event has been canceled.

Spoken Context

7. 明日から新しいプロジェクトを担当することになりました。
   • I've been assigned to a new project starting tomorrow.
8. 残業することになりそうだ。
   • It looks like I'll have to work overtime.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

• Indirect Expression: Japanese culture often favors indirect expressions to convey decisions or actions, especially those that might impose on others. Using ことになる allows the speaker to express that a decision has been made without directly stating who made it, which can be seen as polite or humble.

Levels of Politeness

• The construction is neutral in politeness but can be adjusted with polite forms:
  • なりました (formal) vs. なった (informal)

Idiomatic Expressions

• そういうことになる: That's how it is; That's what it comes down to.
  • Example: 「じゃあ、僕たちが手伝う必要があるってことですね。」「そういうことになりますね。」
    • "So, we need to help then?"
    • "That's what it comes down to."

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Mistake: Confusing ことになる with ことにする.
  • Incorrect: 自分で決めたのに「ことになる」を使う。
    • Using ことになる when you made the decision yourself.
  • Correction: Use ことにする when the decision is made by you.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device:
  • になる (to become) → Decision comes to you (external).
  • にする (to do/make) → You do/make the decision (internal).
• Tip: Remember that ことになる often implies a passive role in the decision, whereas ことにする is active.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• Verbることになる is used to express that something has been decided by external factors.
• It indicates external decisions or natural outcomes.
• Do not confuse with Verbることにする, which indicates a decision made by the speaker.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. Fill in the blank: 来月から新しい仕事を始める________。 a) ことになる
   b) ことにする Answer: a) ことになる
2. True or False: Verbることになる is used when the speaker has personally decided to do something. Answer: False
3. Choose the correct usage: If you want to express that you have decided to study Japanese, which form would you use? a) 日本語を勉強することになる
   b) 日本語を勉強することにする Answer: b) 日本語を勉強することにする