Literary Limitation: -ㄹ/을 따름이다 (Only, Merely)

This pattern limits a situation to just one thing. It emphasizes that no other options exist. Imagine you win a huge award. You feel so much gratitude. You want to say you are *only* thankful. You would use -ㄹ/을 따름입니다 here. It connects a verb or adjective to the noun 따름. The word 따름 is a bound noun. It means "only" or "nothing but." Then you add the verb 이다. Together, they create a strong boundary. It says, "I feel this and nothing else." It is like a grammar wall. It keeps other emotions out. It is often used with formal endings. You will mostly hear -ㄹ/을 따름입니다. It sounds very respectful. It can also sound a bit dramatic. Even native speakers use it to show deep sincerity. Think of it like a formal tuxedo for your verbs.

1. 1Find your verb or adjective stem.
2. 2Check if the stem ends in a vowel.
3. 3If it ends in a vowel, add -ㄹ 따름이다.
4. 4Example: 감사하다 becomes 감사할 따름입니다.
5. 5Check if the stem ends in a consonant.
6. 6If it ends in a consonant, add -을 따름이다.
7. 7Example: 믿다 becomes 믿을 따름입니다.
8. 8If the stem ends in ㄹ, just add 따름이다.
9. 9Example: 만들다 becomes 만들 따름입니다.
10. 10Always add the polite 이다 ending at the end.
11. 11Usually, people use the formal -입니다 ending.

Use this in very formal situations. It is perfect for job interviews. You can use it when meeting elders. Use it in written letters or speeches. It is great for expressing deep regret. It works well for showing extreme surprise. Imagine you are at a fancy gala. You want to thank your host. You say, "I am only grateful." This fits the mood perfectly. It is also used in news reports. Reporters use it to describe shocking events. It shows that the situation is beyond words. Use it when you want to be humble. It tells people you have no other words. It is like a linguistic bow. You are lowering yourself and raising the emotion.

Do not use this with your friends. It will sound very strange. They might think you are acting in a play. Avoid it at the convenience store. "I am only buying milk" sounds too dramatic. Do not use it for simple facts. It is for feelings and intense states. It is too heavy for "I am only eating." Use -기만 하다 or -을 뿐이다 instead. If you use it while ordering pizza, the clerk might laugh. It is like wearing a wedding dress to the gym. It just does not fit the vibe. Keep it for special moments. It loses its power if used too often. Think of it like a rare spice. A little bit goes a long way.

Many people forget it is literary. They try to use it in text messages. This makes them look like a time traveler. Another mistake is mixing up the vowels. Remember the ㄹ/을 rule clearly. Some people use it with simple past tense. Usually, it stays in the present or future form. Do not use it with commands. You cannot tell someone to "only be thankful." It describes your own state or a situation. Some forget to add 이다 at the end. 따름 cannot stand alone. It needs the verb to function. Yes, even native speakers forget how formal it is sometimes. Don't worry if you feel a bit stiff using it. That is actually the point of this grammar.

Compare this to -을 뿐이다. Both mean "only" or "just." However, -을 뿐이다 is very common and casual. You can use it anywhere. -ㄹ/을 따름이다 is the fancy older brother. It is much more formal and literary. Think of -을 뿐이다 as a t-shirt. Think of -ㄹ/을 따름이다 as a three-piece suit. There is also -기만 하다. This focuses more on an action repeating. -ㄹ/을 따름이다 focuses on the state of mind. If you say 웃기만 하다, you are just laughing. If you say 웃을 따름이다, it sounds like a tragic movie scene. The choice depends on your audience. If you want to impress a professor, choose 따름이다.