N3 Grammar: に伴って (ni tomonatte) — Along With, As

Meaning & Usage

At the JLPT N3 level and beyond, 「に伴って」(に ともなって) is a powerful grammar pattern used to describe events, changes, or states that occur in direct relation to one another. It highlights that one phenomenon happens along with, accompanies, or arises as a result of another, implying a strong sense of correlation or even an inevitable relationship. Essentially, it expresses that 'as X occurs, Y also occurs' or 'Y happens in conjunction with X.'

While English equivalents like 'along with,' 'as,' 'accompanying,' or 'due to' capture some of its meaning, it's important to grasp the specific nuance of 「に伴って」. This pattern frequently implies a more direct and often unavoidable connection. It goes beyond merely two things occurring simultaneously; instead, one event acts as a catalyst, a necessary condition, or an inherent component of the other.

For instance, if you say 「経済けいざいの成長せいちょうに伴ともなって、失業率しつぎょうりつが低下ていかした」 (As the economy grew, the unemployment rate fell), it implies that economic growth was the direct cause or condition for the decrease in unemployment. The two events are not merely coincidental but causally linked. This pattern is particularly common when discussing societal changes, technological advancements, natural phenomena, or the implications of policies.

A key aspect of 「に伴って」 is its formality. It belongs to a register that is more formal, academic, and often found in written language, news reports, official statements, or speeches. While you might hear it in spoken Japanese in formal settings, it's less likely to appear in casual conversation among friends. For informal contexts, simpler expressions might be used, or the relationship might be implied without a specific grammatical structure.

To better understand 「に伴って」, imagine two interconnected arrows moving in tandem. The first arrow represents an initial event or change (X), while the second signifies an accompanying event or change (Y). These events are intrinsically linked, with X often driving or fundamentally shaping Y. This pattern effectively highlights when Y is a natural consequence, an inherent accompaniment, or a parallel development of X, providing a sophisticated way to express cause-and-effect or correlative relationships.

Structure & Formation

Forming sentences with 「に伴って」(に ともなって) is quite simple. It primarily attaches to nouns or to the dictionary form of verbs, in which case it requires an intermediate particle.

Let's look at more details and important variations:

• Noun + に伴って: This is the most common and direct usage. The noun typically describes a change, event, or phenomenon. For example, 「環境かんきょうの変化へんかに伴ともなって」 (along with environmental changes).
• Verb (dictionary form) + の + に伴って: When using a verb, it must be in its dictionary (plain) form, followed by 「の」, which nominalizes the verb phrase, allowing 「に伴って」 to attach to it. For example, 「技術ぎじゅつが進歩しんぽするのに伴ともなって」 (as technology advances).

Additionally, keep in mind these related forms:

• に伴い (に ともない): This is a more formal and often literary variation, frequently used when connecting clauses. It functions adverbially, meaning "accompanying" or "as a result of." It's particularly common in written texts and tends to imply a slightly stronger cause-and-effect relationship or a more significant change.
• に伴う (に ともなう) + Noun: This form acts as a modifying phrase, meaning "accompanying Noun" or "Noun that accompanies." For example, 「それに伴ともなう問題もんだい」 (problems accompanying that). Here, 「伴う」 functions as an attributive verb modifying the noun 「問題」.
• を伴う (を ともなう): This is the transitive verb 「伴う」 itself, meaning "to accompany" or "to bring about." For example, 「痛いたみを伴ともなう病気びょうき」 (an illness that causes pain). While related in meaning, its grammatical function is different from 「に伴って」.

Example Sentences

Changes and Developments

Effects and Consequences

Formal and Official Contexts

Common Mistakes

Mistake 1: Using in casual conversation

「に伴って」 is a relatively formal expression. Using it in very casual, everyday conversations can sound unnatural or overly stiff.

❌ 友達ともだちと会あうのに伴ともなって、カフェに行いった。

✅ 友達ともだちと会あうから、カフェに行いった。

Explanation: While meeting a friend might lead to going to a café, the relationship is too casual for 「に伴って」. Simpler particles like 「から」 (kara) or simply stating the sequence of events is more natural.

Mistake 2: Forgetting 「の」 with verbs

When attaching 「に伴って」 to a verb, the verb must be in its dictionary form followed by 「の」 to nominalize the verb phrase.

❌ 雨あめが降ふるに伴ともなって、気温きおんが下さがった。

✅ 雨あめが降ふるのに伴ともなって、気温きおんが下さがった。

Explanation: The verb 「降ふる」 (furu) needs to be followed by 「の」 before 「に伴って」. This transforms the verb phrase into a noun-like clause that can be modified by 「に伴って」.

Mistake 3: Using when there's no clear correlation or consequence

「に伴って」 implies a direct, often logical or natural correlation or consequence. It's not for simply listing two simultaneous or sequential events that are unrelated.

❌ 朝食ちょうしょくを食たべるのに伴ともなって、コーヒーを飲のんだ。

✅ 朝食ちょうしょくを食たべながら、コーヒーを飲のんだ。

Explanation: While eating breakfast and drinking coffee might happen at the same time, one doesn't necessarily cause or inherently accompany the other in a formal sense. 「～ながら」 (nagara) is more appropriate for simultaneous actions. For a sequential relationship, simply connecting sentences would suffice.

Mistake 4: Confusing with simple "with" expressions

While "along with" is a translation, 「に伴って」 implies a more significant or systemic relationship than simply having something else present. It's not for expressing possession or simple coexistence.

❌ 彼かれは家族かぞくに伴ともなって、日本にほんに来きた。

✅ 彼かれは家族かぞくと一緒いっしょに、日本にほんに来きた。

Explanation: In this context, "accompanying his family" uses the verb 「伴う」 (tomona'u) in a transitive sense. However, 「に伴って」 describes the cause/consequence of an event or change, not who someone is with. 「～と一緒いっしょに」 (to issho ni) is the natural way to say "together with."

Cultural Notes

The use of 「に伴って」 in Japanese reflects a cultural appreciation for precise and formal language, especially when discussing cause-and-effect relationships or broad trends. It is a cornerstone of Japanese journalistic writing, academic papers, and official government reports. When reading newspapers or watching news broadcasts, you will frequently encounter this phrase when economists discuss market trends, scientists explain research findings, or politicians describe policy impacts.

Native speakers often choose this phrase when they want to lend an air of objective analysis and gravity to their statements. It suggests that the speaker or writer has carefully considered the implications and correlations of an event. For instance, a statement like 「高齢化こうれいかの進展しんてんに伴ともなって、医療費いりょうひが増大ぞうだいしている」 (Medical costs are increasing along with the progression of aging) sounds much more authoritative and analytical than a simpler construction.

While less common in daily casual conversation, understanding 「に伴って」 is vital for comprehending the formal discourse that shapes public opinion and policy in Japan. It's also a clear indicator of a speaker's or writer's proficiency in handling nuanced and sophisticated Japanese expressions. When you use it correctly, it signals that you are moving beyond basic communication to a more articulate and precise level of expression, akin to using phrases like "consequently" or "in conjunction with" in English.

JLPT Tips

When preparing for the JLPT N3, understanding 「に伴って」 is crucial for several reasons. First, it frequently appears in reading comprehension passages, especially those dealing with social issues, economics, or scientific topics. Recognizing it will help you quickly grasp the cause-and-effect or correlative relationships being described in the text.

Second, in grammar questions, you might be asked to choose the correct particle or pattern to connect two clauses. Be mindful of the context: if the sentence describes a formal situation, a systemic change, or a clear consequence, 「に伴って」 is often the correct choice. Pay attention to whether the preceding element is a noun or a verb; remember to use 「の」 after a verb's dictionary form.

Third, distinguish 「に伴って」 from similar grammar points like 「～につれて」, 「～にしたがって」, and 「～とともに」. While they all express some form of concomitance or correlation, 「に伴って」 often implies a stronger, more direct, and often formal cause-and-effect or an inherent accompaniment. If the change is very gradual and proportional, 「～につれて」 might be a better fit. If it's about following rules or a less direct correlation, 「～にしたがって」 or 「～とともに」 could be used.

Finally, practice forming sentences with 「に伴って」 in various contexts. Try to describe real-world phenomena, like the impact of technology on society or economic shifts. This active practice will solidify your understanding of its nuance and proper usage, preparing you not only for the exam but also for using Japanese effectively in more formal and analytical situations.