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)

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

1. Introduction

The construction Verb る ことになる (〜ru koto ni naru) is used in Japanese to indicate that a decision has been made, that something will happen as a result of a circumstance, or that a certain outcome has become the default. It conveys a sense of inevitability or obligation.

2. Core Grammar Explanation

Detailed Explanation

• Meaning: This phrase means "it has been decided that..." or "it has come to the point that...". It emphasizes a change in situation or a decision that affects the outcome of an action.
• Structure:
  • The verb in its dictionary form (る verb) is used before the phrase.
  • Conjugation:
    • Verb る (dictionary form) + こと + に + なる

Formation Diagram:

[Verb (る形)] + こと + に + なる
      |                |
   (to do)         (to become)

3. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Similar Grammar Points

1. Verb る ことができる (〜ru koto ga dekiru):
   • This means "to be able to do [something]". It focuses on capability rather than a decision or change.
2. Verb る ようになる (〜ru you ni naru):
   • This indicates a change in state, meaning "to come to do [something]". It highlights a development over time rather than a decision.

Key Differences:

• ことになる focuses on decisions or resulting actions.
• ことができる refers to ability or capability.
• ようになる emphasizes gradual change or adaptation.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

1. Formal Context:
   • 来週、会議が行われることになります。
   • (Raishū, kaigi ga okonawareru koto ni narimasu.)
   • "It has been decided that a meeting will be held next week."
2. Informal Context:
   • 明日、仕事を手伝うことになった。
   • (Ashita, shigoto o tetsudau koto ni natta.)
   • "I've been told that I’ll help with work tomorrow."
3. Written Context:
   • 今年から新しいポリシーが導入されることになります。
   • (Kotoshi kara atarashii porishī ga dōnyū sareru koto ni narimasu.)
   • "It has been decided that a new policy will be implemented starting this year."
4. Spoken Context:
   • それを買うことにしたよ。
   • (Sore o kau koto ni shita yo.)
   • "I’ve decided to buy that."

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

Using ことになる often reflects the consideration of social norms and the opinions of others in Japanese culture. This construction conveys politeness and ensures that the decision is not solely individual but rather mutual or agreed upon.

Levels of Politeness

• なる adds a level of politeness. In casual speech, you might hear ことになる shortened or altered, but in formal situations, the full phrase is typically used.

Idiomatic Expressions

• それにすることにした reduces the use of formal structures. It can imply a spontaneous decision in casual conversation.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

• Overusing: Some learners might use this structure for every decision, but it is more appropriate for outcomes influenced by external conditions or collective agreements.

Learning Strategies

• Mnemonic Device: Remember that こと relates to "things" or "matters" (decisions about something), and なる implies "to become." Therefore, it transforms a decision into 'it has become a matter of...'.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

• Verb る ことになる indicates a decision, obligation, or change resulting from external influence.
• It's distinct from other similar expressions like ことができる and ようになる.
• It's important in conveying politeness and group consensus in Japanese culture.

Quick Recap Quiz

1. What does Verb る ことになる mean?
2. How does it differ from Verb る ようになる?
3. Provide an informal sentence using Verb る ことになる.