Formal Proportionality: -에 비례하여 (In Proportion To)

This grammar point acts as a bridge between two nouns. The first noun is the cause or the measuring stick. The second part of the sentence describes the result. It implies a direct, constant ratio between these two things. If you double the first noun, the second part doubles too. It is not just about general change over time. It is about a specific mathematical relationship between two variables. In English, we might say "proportional to" or "relative to." In Korean, 비례 means proportion or ratio. The particle 에 shows what you are comparing against. Finally, 하여 is a formal version of the verb "to do." Together, they create a formal adverbial phrase for your sentences. You can imagine a graph with a straight diagonal line. As you move right, you also move up equally. This is exactly what this grammar describes in words. It is perfect for explaining how results follow specific actions. It adds a layer of logic to your Korean speech. Yes, even native speakers mess this up sometimes! Just keep the image of a balance scale in mind.

1. 1Start with a noun that represents a quantity or degree.
2. 2Attach the particle 에 directly to the end of that noun.
3. 3Add a space and then write the word 비례하여 clearly.
4. 4Complete the sentence with a verb describing the change.
5. 5Example: 노력 (effort) + 에 + 비례하여 + 성공해요 (succeed).
6. 6노력에 비례하여 성공해요. (You succeed in proportion to your effort.)
7. 7If you want to use a verb, you must change it. You must turn the verb into a noun first. Use the ending -는 것 or -(으)ㅁ to do this. For example, 먹는 것 (eating) or 공부함 (studying). However, using simple nouns is much more common and natural. Most people stick to nouns like 시간 (time) or 금액 (amount). It is a very stable and predictable pattern to use.

Use this when you are in a formal setting. It is excellent for job interviews and business presentations. Use it to explain how salary matches your work experience. It is also perfect for academic writing or school reports. You will find it in science books explaining gravity or speed. If you are describing a fair system, use this grammar. It sounds much more professional than simple everyday Korean. You can use it when ordering food at fancy places. For example, the price increases in proportion to the weight. Use it when asking for directions in a formal way. For instance, the travel time increases in proportion to the distance. It shows you understand the logical connection between two things. It makes your arguments feel stronger and more factual. Think of it like a grammar traffic light for logic. It tells the listener exactly how the variables are moving. It is the language of experts and professionals in Korea.

Avoid using this with your close friends or family. It will make you sound like a math textbook. Imagine telling a friend "My love is proportional to your kindness." They might laugh or look at you very strangely. In casual settings, use -(으)ㄹ수록 instead for a natural feel. Also, do not use it for things that are random. If there is no clear ratio, this grammar fits poorly. It requires a predictable and steady relationship between the items. Do not use it for simple one-time events either. It describes a continuous rule or a general principle. It is too heavy for a quick text message. Save it for your formal emails and official documents. Using it incorrectly can make you sound cold or robotic. Keep it for moments where precision really matters to you.

The most common mistake is forgetting the particle 에. Many learners say 노력 비례하여, but this is wrong. You must always include 에 to link the noun. Another mistake is confusing it with 반비례하여. 반비례하여 means "inversely proportional," which is the exact opposite. If one goes up and the other goes down, use 반비례. Do not use 비례하여 for negative, shrinking relationships like that. Some learners also try to use it with adjectives directly. You cannot say 예쁘기에 비례하여. You must use a noun like 미모 (beauty) instead. Keep your nouns solid and your particles firmly attached. Another small error is adding unnecessary spaces before the 에. The particle 에 must touch the noun without any gap. Proper spacing makes your formal writing look clean and professional.

You might know the pattern -(으)ㄹ수록 from your early studies. That pattern means "the more... the more..." and is common. -(으)ㄹ수록 is casual and describes a general gradual change. In contrast, 에 비례하여 is formal and implies a ratio. Think of -(으)ㄹ수록 as a staircase you walk up. Think of 에 비례하여 as a precise laser-guided elevator. Another similar pattern is -에 따라, which means "according to." -에 따라 is very broad and can mean many things. 에 비례하여 is a specific type of "according to" relationship. It focuses strictly on the amount or the measurement. If you want to sound smart, choose 비례하여. If you want to be understood easily, choose 따라. Knowing both gives you great flexibility in your Korean.