Korean Grammar Point
~에 따라 [e ddara] (According to, depends on)

~에 따라 [e ddara] (According to, depends on)

Short explanation:

Used to express 'according to' or 'depends on'.

Formation:

Noun + 에 따라

Examples:

날씨에 따라 우리의 여행 계획이 변경될 수 있어요.
Nalssie ddara uriui yeohaeng gyeonghwagi byeongyeongdoel su isseoyo.
Our travel plans can change depending on the weather.
살아있는 동물의 종류에 따라 그들의 생활 패턴이 많이 달라질 수 있어요.
Saraissneun dongmului jongryue ddara geudeului saenghwal paeteuni mani dallajil su isseoyo.
The lifestyle patterns of living animals can greatly vary depending on their species.
사람들의 의견에 따라 당신의 결정이 달라질 수 있어요.
Saramdeul uiui ddara dangshinui gyeoljeongi dallajil su isseoyo.
Your decision could vary depending on people's opinions.
성적에 따라 대학 선택이 달라질 수 있어요.
Seongjeoke ddara daehak seontaegi dallajil su isseoyo.
Your choice of university could vary depending on your grades.

Long explanation:

'~에 따라 [e ddara]' is a grammar point in Korean that is used to express the idea of something being dependent on or varying according to something else. It is used in sentences to show that the result or situation can change or vary depending on a particular condition or factor.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: ~에 따라 [e ddara] (According to, depends on)

Korean Grammar Point: ~에 따라 [e ddara] (According to, depends on)

Korean Grammar Lesson: ~에 따라 [e ttara] (According to, Depends on)

1. Introduction

In this lesson, we'll delve into the grammar point ~에 따라, which is essential for expressing dependency or variation based on certain conditions in Korean. Understanding this structure will enhance your ability to articulate how outcomes or actions change according to different factors.


2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

~에 따라 is used to indicate that something varies or depends on the preceding noun. It translates to:

  • According to
  • Depending on
  • In accordance with

Structure

The structure is straightforward and involves attaching ~에 따라 to a noun.

[**Noun**] + 에 따라

Components

  • Noun: The factor or basis on which something depends.
  • : A particle meaning "at," "to," or "by," but here it functions as "according to."
  • 따라: Derived from the verb 따르다 ("to follow").

Formation Diagram

Component Function Example
시간 Noun (time) 시간
Particle ("according to")
따라 "Follow" 따라
행동이 달라요 Result/Action 행동이 달라요
Example: 시간에 따라 행동이 달라요.
"Behavior changes according to time."

Visual Aid

[Factor/Basis Noun] 에 따라 [Result/Action]

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

1. ~에 따르면

  • Usage: Used to cite a source of information; translates to "according to."
  • Example: 뉴스에 따르면 내일 비가 온대요.
    "According to the news, it will rain tomorrow."

2. ~에 의하면

  • Usage: Similar to ~에 따르면, also used for quoting sources.
  • Example: 선생님 말씀에 의하면 시험이 어려울 거예요.
    "According to the teacher, the test will be difficult."

Difference with ~에 따라

  • ~에 따라 focuses on outcomes that vary based on conditions.
  • ~에 따르면 / ~에 의하면 are specifically for attributing information to a source.

4. Examples in Context

Sentence Examples

  1. 가격에 따라 품질이 달라요.
    "Quality varies according to the price."
  2. 사람마다 생각에 따라 다를 수 있어요.
    "It can differ depending on each person's thoughts."
  3. 문화에 따라 인사하는 방법이 달라요.
    "The way of greeting varies according to culture."
  4. 날씨에 따라 옷을 입어요.
    "I dress according to the weather."
  5. 상황에 따라 결정이 바뀔 수 있어요.
    "The decision can change depending on the situation."

Formal and Informal Contexts

  • Formal:
    결과는 노력에 따라 달라집니다.
    "The results vary according to effort."
  • Informal:
    기분에 따라 음악을 들어요.
    "I listen to music depending on my mood."

Dialogue Example

A: 어디에서 식사할까요?
B: 사람 수에 따라 달라질 것 같아요. A: Where shall we eat?
B: It seems it'll depend on the number of people.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

In Korean culture, context and situational factors play a significant role in communication and behavior. Using ~에 따라 reflects the importance of adapting actions according to social norms, hierarchy, and circumstances.

Idiomatic Expressions

  • 계절에 따라 변하다
    "To change with the seasons."
  • 경우에 따라 다르다
    "It depends on the case/situation."

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

Mistake 1: Attaching ~에 따라 to verbs directly.

  • Incorrect: 출근하다에 따라 시간이 달라요.
  • Correct: 출근 시간에 따라 시간이 달라요. Tip: Ensure ~에 따라 follows a noun. If starting with a verb, nominalize it using ~기 or use the noun form.

Mistake 2: Confusing ~에 따라 with ~에 따르면.

  • Incorrect Usage: 뉴스에 따라 비가 올 거예요.
  • Correct Usage: 뉴스에 따르면 비가 올 거예요. Tip: Use ~에 따르면 when citing a source, and ~에 따라 when indicating dependency.

Learning Strategies

  • Mnemonic: Think of 따라 as "following" something. So, the action "follows" (depends on) the noun it attaches to.
  • Practice: Create sentences by listing factors that cause variation, such as time, weather, mood, etc.

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • ~에 따라 is used to express that something changes or depends on a certain factor.
  • Attach ~에 따라 to nouns, not verbs.
  • Differentiate between ~에 따라 (depends on) and ~에 따르면 (according to a source).

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. Fill in the blank:
    결과는 노력**( )** 따라 달라져요.
    Answer:
  2. True or False:
    ~에 따라 can be used to cite information from a news source.
    Answer: False
  3. Correct the mistake in the sentence:
    학생들 생각하다에 따라 수업 방식이 달라요.
    Answer:
    학생들 생각에 따라 수업 방식이 달라요.

By mastering ~에 따라, you can more accurately describe how different factors influence outcomes in Korean. Keep practicing by crafting your own sentences using this grammar point!

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Public Alpha version Open Source (GitHub). This site is currently undergoing active development. You may (will) encounter bugs, inconsistencies, or limited functionality. Lots of sentences might not sound natural. We are progressively addressing these issues with native speakers.


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