Formal Basis: -에 의거하여 (Based On, In Accordance With)

This pattern is actually quite simple to put together. You take a noun and attach -에 의거하여 right after it. It works like a bridge between a source and an action. The noun is the "source" or the "rule." The rest of the sentence is what happens because of that source. It is purely a connector for nouns. You cannot attach it directly to verbs or adjectives. If you want to use a verb, you must turn it into a noun first. For example, instead of saying "based on what I saw," you say "based on the fact." It functions as an adverbial phrase in the sentence. This means it describes *how* or *why* something is being done. It is like adding a "source citation" in the middle of your speech. It makes your logic feel bulletproof. Even native speakers use this to sound more credible in meetings.

1. 1Identify the noun you want to use as a basis. This is usually something like 법 (law) or 사실 (fact).
2. 2Simply add -에 의거하여 after the noun.
3. 3Make sure there is a space before the next part of your sentence.
4. 4For example: 법 (Law) + -에 의거하여 = 법에 의거하여 (In accordance with the law).
5. 5Another example: 사실 (Fact) + -에 의거하여 = 사실에 의거하여 (Based on the facts).
6. 6Note: You can shorten it to -에 의거해 in slightly less formal writing. However, the full version is the gold standard for formal contexts.

Use this when you are quoting a rule or a policy. If you are at work and citing company guidelines, this is perfect. It is great for job interviews when discussing your experience based on data. You will see it constantly in the news when reporters cite government statements. Use it in academic papers to reference specific theories or findings. It is also common in legal settings or when signing contracts. If you are writing a formal letter to an institution, use this. It shows you respect the formal nature of the interaction. Think of it as a "professional mode" switch for your Korean. It moves the conversation from "I think so" to "The records show so." It is very useful for avoiding personal blame by pointing to a rule! "I am not being mean, I am acting 규정에 의거하여 (based on regulations)."

Do not use this when chatting with friends at a cafe. It would sound incredibly stiff and strange. Imagine saying "In accordance with the menu, I shall order a latte." Your friend might think you have spent too much time in court! Avoid using it for personal feelings or subjective opinions. You would not say "Based on my mood, I want to sleep." It is too heavy for casual, everyday situations. Also, do not use it with simple observations like the weather. For those, -에 따라 or -어서 are much better choices. Keep this tool in your "professional toolbox" only. Using it at a birthday party would be a total grammar mood-killer. It is like wearing a tuxedo to a swimming pool. Technically you can, but please do not.

One big mistake is trying to attach it to a verb. Remember, it only loves nouns. You cannot say 보다에 의거하여 for "based on seeing." You must change it to 본 사실에 의거하여 (based on the fact I saw). Another mistake is forgetting the 에. Some learners just say 법 의거하여, which is incorrect. Always include that 에 to bridge the noun and the phrase. People also often use it in casual settings where it feels out of place. It is a common "over-formalizing" error for students. Also, watch out for the spelling of 의거. It uses the ㅢ vowel, which can be tricky for beginners. Do not confuse it with 이거 (this thing). That would change your formal sentence into something quite confusing! Just take your time with the vowels.

How does this differ from -에 따라? Well, -에 따라 is the friendly, versatile cousin. You can use it for everything from "according to the weather" to "depending on the person." It is much more common in daily life. -에 의거하여, however, is much stricter. It implies a rigid standard or a formal source. Another similar one is -을/를 바탕으로. This means "based on" but is used for creative or abstract foundations. You might say a movie is "based on a true story" using -을/를 바탕으로. But you would use -에 의거하여 to say a sentence is based on a specific law. Think of -에 따라 as "following," -을/를 바탕으로 as "building upon," and -에 의거하여 as "citing formally."