V+(으)ㄹ수록

Overview

V+(으)ㄹ수록 is a versatile connective ending used to express a proportional relationship between two clauses. It conveys the meaning of "the more X, the more Y," indicating that as the action or state described in the first clause intensifies or increases, the action or state in the second clause also increases or changes in a corresponding manner.

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Usage

This grammatical pattern connects two clauses, where the first clause sets a condition or action that is increasing, and the second clause describes the result or consequence that also increases proportionally. It highlights a direct correlation or a deepening of a situation.

It can be used with both action verbs (동사) and descriptive verbs (형용사). While primarily used in the present tense, it can occasionally appear with past tense markers (았/었을수록) to express a hypothetical or regretful "the more I had done..." scenario, though this is less common.

It can also be used with nouns followed by 이다 (to be) to form N+(이)ㄹ수록, meaning "the more it is N, the more...".

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Conjugation Rules

The conjugation of V+(으)ㄹ수록 depends on the final sound of the verb stem:

1. Verb stems ending in a vowel or ㄹ: Add -ㄹ수록.

   • 가다 (to go) -> 갈수록 (the more one goes)
   • 만들다 (to make) -> 만들수록 (the more one makes)
   • 보다 (to see) -> 볼수록 (the more one sees)

2. Verb stems ending in a consonant (not ㄹ): Add -을수록.

   • 먹다 (to eat) -> 먹을수록 (the more one eats)
   • 읽다 (to read) -> 읽을수록 (the more one reads)
   • 찾다 (to find) -> 찾을수록 (the more one finds)

Irregular Verbs:

• ㄷ irregular verbs: ㄷ changes to ㄹ before a vowel sound. (e.g., 듣다 -> 들을수록)
• ㅂ irregular verbs: ㅂ changes to ㅜ/ㅗ before a vowel sound. (e.g., 돕다 -> 도울수록, 춥다 -> 추울수록)
• ㅅ irregular verbs: ㅅ drops before a vowel sound. (e.g., 낫다 -> 나을수록)
• 르 irregular verbs: 르 changes to ㄹ라/ㄹ러. (e.g., 모르다 -> 모를수록)

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Knowledge Plus

• Repetition for Emphasis: It is very common to repeat the verb in the first clause for stronger emphasis, such as "하면 할수록" (the more you do it, the more...) or "보면 볼수록" (the more you see it, the more...). This repetition intensifies the sense of increasing proportionality.
• Common Expressions: This pattern is frequently used with verbs like 하다 (할수록), 보다 (볼수록), 듣다 (들을수록), 알다 (알수록), and 어렵다 (어려울수록).
• Contrast with other patterns: While similar to other conditional or causal endings, (으)ㄹ수록 specifically emphasizes a proportional increase rather than a simple condition (~면) or a general cause (~기 때문에). It highlights how one factor's change directly influences another's.
• Negative Forms: It can also be used with negative forms (e.g., 안 먹을수록, 먹지 않을수록 - the more you don't eat...).