Academic Correlation: -에 따라 (According To, Depending On)

This grammar point is a post-positional phrase. It follows a noun to show dependency. It implies that the following clause fluctuates. If the noun changes, the result changes too. It can also mean following a specific standard. For example, following a recipe or a law. You are basically saying "Part B follows Part A." It is like a shadow following a person. Where the person goes, the shadow goes. In Korean, where the noun goes, the result follows. It is a very logical way to speak. You don't need to worry about complex verb endings here. You just need a solid noun to start with.

1. 1Using this grammar is quite straightforward. You only need two steps.
2. 2Pick a noun that represents a variable or a rule. Examples include 날씨 (weather) or 계획 (plan).
3. 3Attach 에 따라 directly to the end of that noun.
4. 4There is no need to worry about final consonants. Whether the noun ends in a vowel or a consonant, the form stays the same.
5. 5날씨 + 에 따라 = 날씨에 따라 (Depending on the weather)
6. 6법 + 에 따라 = 법에 따라 (According to the law)
7. 7사람 + 에 따라 = 사람에 따라 (Depending on the person)
8. 8Sometimes you might see -에 따라서. Don't panic! It means the exact same thing. The 서 just adds a tiny bit of emphasis on the sequence. You can use them interchangeably in most conversations.

You should use -에 따라 in three main scenarios. First, use it for changing situations. If you go to a cafe, the price changes depending on the size. You would say 크기에 따라 가격이 달라요. Second, use it for following instructions. If you are building furniture, you follow the manual. You act 설명서에 따라. Third, use it for individual differences. Everyone has different tastes in food. You can say 사람에 따라 취향이 달라요. It is perfect for avoiding generalizations. It shows you understand that the world is diverse. Use it when you want to be precise. It works well in both casual and formal settings.

Do not use -에 따라 when you are just giving a simple reason. If you are late because of traffic, use - 때문에. -에 따라 implies a range of possibilities or a standard. It is not for a one-time cause-and-effect event. Also, do not attach it directly to a verb. You cannot say 가다에 따라. You must turn the verb into a noun first. For example, use the -기 or -는 것 form. However, usually, a simple noun is much better. Avoid using it for personal opinions like "According to me." For that, use 제 생각에는. This grammar is for external standards or objective dependencies.

One big mistake is mixing it up with -에 의해서. While similar, -에 의해서 is usually for the agent of a passive action. Use -에 따라 for standards and variations. Another mistake is forgetting the space. It is Noun + [space] + 에 + [space] + 따라. Many people write it as one big word. Don't be that person! Also, be careful with the verb 달라요 (to be different). It almost always pairs with -에 따라. If you use a different verb, make sure the logic still holds. Yes, even native speakers mess this up sometimes when they are in a rush. Think of it like a grammar traffic light. If you don't use it right, your sentence might crash!

You might know -에 의하면. This also means "according to." But there is a key difference. Use -에 의하면 when you are quoting a source. For example, "According to the news." Use -에 따라 when one thing changes because of another. Think of -에 의하면 as "Source of Info." Think of -에 따라 as "Dependency." Another similar one is -기 때문에. This is for a direct reason. -에 따라 is for a fluctuating standard. If the weather is bad today, use - 때문에. If your mood changes every time the weather changes, use -에 따라.