Core Grammar Rule: ~에 의하여
This grammar point indicates the basis, reason, or method for an action, similar to "according to," "based on," or "by" in English.
Meaning & Usage
Meaning: It attaches to a noun to show that the action in the following clause is based on that noun. It provides a formal basis or justification for something.
When to use: This is a very formal expression primarily used in written language. You will see it in news articles, legal documents, official announcements, academic papers, and formal speeches. It is almost never used in casual, everyday conversation.
Conjugation Rules
Rule: It's simple to use. Just attach ~에 의하여 directly after a noun, regardless of whether it ends in a vowel or a consonant. In spoken contexts or slightly less formal writing, it is often shortened to ~에 의해.
Noun + 에 의하여
Native Nuance & Mistakes
It's crucial to distinguish ~에 의하여 from its more common conversational counterparts to avoid sounding unnatural.
~에 의하여 vs. ~에 따라 vs. ~때문에
Context: While all can indicate a reason or basis, their formality and nuance differ greatly. ~에 의하여 points to a strong, often legal or authoritative basis (e.g., 법에 의하여 - by law). ~에 따라 is also formal and means "in accordance with" a plan, rule, or change (e.g., 계획에 따라 - according to the plan). ~때문에 is the most common way to say "because of" in casual speech (e.g., 법 때문에 - because of the law).
Example: A friend would say "새로운 규칙 때문에 못 들어가." (We can't go in because of the new rule), not "새로운 규칙에 의하여 못 들어가." The second one sounds like you're reading a legal notice.
The Mistake of Overusing It
Context: The most common mistake learners make is using ~에 의하여 in casual conversation. It creates a jarring, overly formal tone, like wearing a tuxedo to a picnic. For daily speech, always opt for simpler expressions like ~때문에 (because of) or ~(으)로 (by means of).
Do: 법 때문에 바뀌었어요. (O) / Don't: 법에 의하여 바뀌었어요. (X — in casual talk)
Common Combinations
This grammar point typically appears with a specific set of formal nouns related to rules, laws, and official decisions.