Legal Language: -ㄴ/은/는 바에 의하여 (According To, By)

This pattern is a combination of three distinct parts working together. First, we have the verb modifier form -ㄴ/은/는. This turns a verb into an adjective that describes the next noun. Second, we have the word 바. This is a "bound noun," which means it cannot stand alone. It roughly translates to "thing," "fact," or "method." Finally, we have 에 의하여, which means "by" or "according to." When you put them all together, you get a phrase that means "according to the thing that was [verb]ed." It is a very logical way to build a complex thought. The whole structure acts as a giant adverbial phrase. It tells us the basis or the reason why something is happening. Think of it like a grammar bridge. On one side, you have the rule or the previous action. On the other side, you have the legal result. The bridge connects them with total formality. It is very sturdy and very serious.

1. 1Building this pattern requires a little bit of verb conjugation knowledge. You need to pick the right modifier based on the tense you want to express.
2. 2For present tense verbs, you use -는 바에 의하여. For example, 정하는 (determining) becomes 정하는 바에 의하여.
3. 3For past tense verbs (or completed actions), you use -ㄴ/은 바에 의하여. For example, 합의한 (agreed) becomes 합의한 바에 의하여.
4. 4For adjectives, you typically use -ㄴ/은 바에 의하여, though this is rarer in legal contexts.
5. 5Always remember to put a space after the modifier and before 바.
6. 6Add another space after 바에 and before 의하여.
7. 7Korean spacing can be a headache, but in legal documents, it matters a lot. It is like a grammar traffic light; the spaces tell your brain when to pause. If you mush it all together, it looks like a typo, and lawyers hate typos! Just remember: [Verb] + [Modifier] + [Space] + 바에 + [Space] + 의하여.

This grammar is like a VIP pass for specific formal scenarios. You should use it when you are writing an official report at work. Use it when you are drafting a contract for a new business venture. It is perfect for describing how a legal process should follow a specific rule. You will often find it in the Korean Constitution or company bylaws. For example, if you want to say "The president is elected according to the law," this grammar is perfect. It is also great for formal speeches where you want to sound authoritative. If you are presenting a case in a mock trial, this will make you sound like a pro. Think of it as a tool for setting boundaries and rules. It says, "We are doing this because the rules say so." It removes personal feelings and replaces them with cold, hard facts. It is very useful for avoiding arguments because you are just following the "바" (the thing) that was agreed upon.

Whatever you do, please do not use this with your friends! If you say, "I will go to the cafe according to the way my mom told me" using -ㄴ 바에 의하여, your friends might think you have been possessed by a Joseon-era judge. It is way too heavy for casual conversation. Avoid using it in text messages, diaries, or even standard emails to colleagues. It is also not suitable for simple instructions. If you are teaching someone how to make ramen, stick to simple connectors like -면 or -니까. Do not use it for subjective opinions. This grammar is for objective, established rules. You wouldn't say, "According to the fact that I like pizza, let's eat pizza." That is like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. Keep this tool in your "super formal" toolbox and only bring it out for special, high-stakes occasions.

One of the biggest mistakes is forgetting the spaces. Native speakers do this too, but in formal writing, it stands out. Another mistake is using the wrong modifier tense. People often use the present -는 when they should use the past -ㄴ. Remember, if the agreement already happened, use the past tense. If the law is currently in effect, use the present. Another funny mistake is using it with informal verb endings. You cannot end a sentence with ~해 or ~이야 after using such a formal middle part. It would be like wearing a tuxedo jacket with swimming trunks. It just doesn't match! Always finish your sentence with formal endings like ~합니다 or ~입니다. Finally, some people confuse it with -에 의해서. While they are similar, -ㄴ 바에 의하여 is much more specific to the *content* of a rule or action rather than just the cause.

Let's look at the cousins of this grammar. First, there is -에 따르면. This also means "according to." However, -에 따르면 is used for news sources or general information. You use it to say, "According to the weather report." It is common and friendly. Next, there is -에 의해서. This is used to show a simple cause and effect, like "The window was broken by the wind." It doesn't have that "rule-based" nuance. Finally, there is -에 따라. This is a middle-ground formality. It is used in instructions and manuals. -ㄴ 바에 의하여 is the most formal and most "legal" of them all. If -에 따르면 is a casual conversation, -ㄴ 바에 의하여 is a supreme court ruling. Choosing between them depends on how much "legal weight" you want your sentence to carry.