GRAMMAR DETAIL
ことになる
Indicates that something has been determined as a result of circumstances or an external decision.
Examples
来月から大阪支社で働くことになった。
It has been decided that I will work at the Osaka branch starting next month.
Words used
会議は来週の金曜日に開かれることになった。
It was decided that the meeting would be held next Friday.
Words used
来年から新しい部署を担当することになりました。
I have been assigned to take charge of a new department starting next year.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure: After a dictionary-form or nai-form verb,
ことになるpresents a future action as settled through circumstances or a decision. - Basic usage:
来月から大阪支社で働くことになった。announces that work at the Osaka branch has been arranged starting next month.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- The outcome of a decision versus one's own choice
参加することになったreports the resulting arrangement to participate, while参加することにしたhighlights choosing to participate. Even someone involved in the decision can useことになったto focus on the outcome.
- When not doing something is decided
行かないことになったmeans it has been decided that someone will not go. Although the outerなったis past,行かないbeforeことstates the content of the arrangement.