에 따라(서)

Overview

The expression 에 따라(서) is used to indicate that an action, state, or outcome varies or is determined by a preceding factor or condition. It highlights that something is not fixed but changes or is decided based on different circumstances. The optional 서 can be added, often making the expression sound slightly more complete or formal, but without changing its core meaning.

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Usage

에 따라(서) connects a preceding noun (or noun phrase) that represents a variable factor to a subsequent clause that describes the consequence or variation. The core idea is that the outcome, decision, or characteristic described in the main clause is not constant but changes in accordance with the preceding factor.

This can be used in various contexts:

• Showing variability: "The price changes depending on the season." (계절에 따라 가격이 달라져요.)
• Making choices: "You should choose a method depending on the situation." (상황에 따라 방법을 선택해야 해요.)
• Stating rules/standards: "According to the regulations, this is not allowed." (규정에 따라 이것은 허용되지 않습니다.)

It emphasizes that the subsequent action or state is a response or adaptation to the preceding condition.

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Conjugation Rules

에 따라(서) attaches directly to nouns or noun phrases.

• Noun + 에 따라(서)
  • 예: 날씨 + 에 따라(서) → 날씨에 따라(서)
  • 예: 상황 + 에 따라(서) → 상황에 따라(서)

If you need to express a verb or adjective as the variable factor, it typically needs to be nominalized first, often using forms like -는지에 따라(서) or -음에 따라(서), but the base form 에 따라(서) itself directly follows nouns.

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Knowledge Plus

• Optional 서: The particle 서 is often omitted in casual speech or writing, especially when the context is clear. Both 에 따라 and 에 따라서 are grammatically correct and convey the same meaning.
• Meaning "according to": While its primary meaning is "depending on," it can also be translated as "according to" when referring to rules, regulations, or standards. For example, "법에 따라" means "according to the law."
• Distinction from -(으)면: While both express conditionality, -(으)면 (if/when) states a simple condition. 에 따라(서) specifically highlights that the outcome varies or changes based on the preceding factor, implying a range of possibilities rather than a single conditional outcome.