Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 4 sections in order. Notice the target form, compare it with the nearby alternative, then use the reading and practice below to check the meaning in context.
Section 1 of 4
Source: 〜によると
Use 〜 for reported sources.
Start with the example
、。
According to the weather forecast, it will rain tomorrow.
The source is explicit.
Notice the variation
、。
According to the newspaper, the company is apparently releasing a new product next month.
The statement is based on a report.
More detail: how to apply this
Noun + means 'according to....' It introduces information from a source such as a report, forecast, survey, or article.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Read the noun and predicate together to choose source, varying factor, agent, cause, or means.
makes the relationship clear: discussion was how the resolution was achieved. here marks the method.
。
This issue was resolved through discussion.
Read the noun and predicate together to choose source, varying factor, agent, cause, or means.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
、。
According to the weather forecast, it will rain tomorrow.
The source is explicit.
Vocabulary notes
- によると
- according to
Compare in context
、。
According to the newspaper, the company is apparently releasing a new product next month.
The statement is based on a report.
Vocabulary notes
- によると
- according to
- その
- that
Section 2 of 4
Variation and Dependence: 〜によって
Variation and Dependence: 〜
Start with the example
。
Ways of thinking differ from person to person.
The result varies by individual.
Notice the variation
。
The way of saying it differs by region.
Variation is determined by region.
More detail: how to apply this
Noun + often means 'depending on' or 'according to differences in.' It shows that results or conditions vary by person, place, time, or method.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Ways of thinking differ from person to person.
The result varies by individual.
。
Ways of thinking differ from person to person.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: Ways of thinking differ from person to person.
Showing Variation and Dependence: 〜によって: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
Ways of thinking differ from person to person.
The result varies by individual.
Vocabulary notes
- によって
- depending on; by
Preview
。
The way of saying it differs by region.
Variation is determined by region.
Vocabulary notes
- によって
- depending on; by
- 言い方
- way of saying; expression
Section 3 of 4
Agency, Cause, and Method in Reading
Read the noun and predicate together to choose source, varying factor, agent, cause, or means.
Agency, Cause, and Method in Reading
。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
The issue is the topic whose resolution is being explained.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
In more formal writing, 〜 can also mean 'by' in the sense of agency, 'because of' for cause, or 'through / by means of' for method.
Read the noun before and ask whether it is a source, a condition, an actor, a cause, or a means.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
This building was designed by a famous architect.
Here 〜 marks the agent.
。
This building was designed by a famous architect.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: This building was designed by a famous architect.
Showing Agency, Cause, and Method in Reading: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
。
This building was designed by a famous architect.
Here 〜 marks the agent.
Vocabulary notes
- この
- this
- によって
- depending on; by
Preview
。
The trains were delayed because of the typhoon.
Here it marks cause.
Vocabulary notes
- 台風
- typhoon
- によって
- depending on; by
Preview
。
This issue was resolved through discussion.
Here it marks the means or method.
Vocabulary notes
- この
- this
- によって
- depending on; by
- した
- did
Section 4 of 4
Compare the meaning
Use the contrast to make a decision. Choose an answer before opening the explanation.
Example A
。
Example B
。
Your turn · decide before revealing
What differs?
More detail: what changes and why
Same bus: 。／。 What differs?
introduces source attribution;
links variation to the relevant factor.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
introduces source attribution; links variation to the relevant factor.
What differs?
Supported meaning: First names an information source; second names what variation depends on
Use the sentence to choose between these interpretations; do not add information that is only in an answer choice.
Showing Compare the meaning: Everyday words.