GRAMMAR DETAIL
〜によって
Formally identifies the cause of an event or the means that produces a result.
Examples
昨夜の強い風によって電車に遅れが出た。
Last night's strong winds caused train delays.
Words used
この制度によって手続きが簡単になった。
This system made the procedure simpler.
Words used
地震によって多くの建物が壊れた。
Many buildings were damaged by the earthquake.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure: Attach
によってto a noun to mark a cause or a means of producing a result. - Basic usage: In
地震によって多くの建物が壊れた。, the earthquake is the cause of the damage.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- Cause and means
地震によって壊れるstates a cause, while話し合いによって決めるpresents discussion as a means. Distinguish an event's cause from a chosen method.
- Difference by condition
人によって意見が違うexpresses differences from person to person. Interpret the sameによってaccording to whether the sentence describes variation, cause, or means.