GRAMMAR DETAIL
〜こととする
Formally declares a decision or policy established in a meeting or by a rule.
Examples
来月から新制度を導入することとする。
It is hereby decided that the new system will be introduced next month.
Words used
今回は参加を見送ることとする。
It is hereby decided that we will refrain from participating this time.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure:
こととするfollows a plain-form verb to formally declare a policy decided in a meeting, rule, or similar setting. - Basic usage:
来月から新制度を導入することとする。formally declares a decision to introduce the new system next month.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- Making a decision versus reporting its outcome
会議を延期することとするdeclares a policy of postponement.会議を延期することとなったreports the resulting decision, distinguishing the act of deciding from presenting a settled outcome.
- Dictionary form for an action not yet performed
導入することとしたmeans a decision to introduce something was made, not necessarily that the introduction has already occurred.導入するidentifies the chosen action, while finalとしたplaces the decision in the past.