GRAMMAR DETAIL

に従って

as · in accordance with

Indicates that one change follows another change, or that an action follows a stated standard or direction.

Examples

気温が上がるに従って、氷が薄くなった。

As the temperature rose, the ice grew thinner.

説明書に従って、部品を順番に組み立てた。

I assembled the parts in order according to the instructions.

季節が進むに従って、山の色が変わっていく。

As the season progresses, the colors of the mountains change.

Structure: Add に従って（にしたがって） to a form such as the dictionary form of a change verb to link another developing change.
Basic usage: 気温が上がるに従って、氷が薄くなった。 links thinning ice to rising temperature.

Change and following directions
- 季節が進むに従って色が変わる describes linked developments. 説明書に従って組み立てる instead follows instructions, so distinguish a change from a standard in the preceding expression.
A process rather than one point in time
- 気温が上がったとき氷が割れた can report an event at a particular time. 気温が上がるに従って薄くなる foregrounds the relationship as the temperature change develops.