Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 3 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 3
Core meaning
Use these patterns when you are passing along information from another source. In English, the meaning is often “I heard that …”, “it says that …”, or “according to the report …”. The speaker is not presenting the statement as direct personal knowledge.
Target signal
天気予報によると、明日は雪になるということだ。
According to the weather forecast, it will snow tomorrow.
The information comes from a source, not from the speaker's direct observation.
Vocabulary notes
- ということだ
- I hear that; it means that
- によると
- according to
- という
- called; that is to say; named
Compare in context
部長は少し遅れるとのことです。
I heard that the department manager will be a little late.
とのことだ is common in announcements, messages, and polite relaying of information.
Vocabulary notes
- 遅れる
- to be late
- こと
- thing; matter; fact
- です
- to be (polite); is; am; are
Section 2 of 3
Form and nuance
Attach the pattern to a full clause in plain form. 〜ということだ is a straightforward way to report content. 〜とのことだ often sounds slightly more formal, written, or message-like, especially in workplace or notice contexts.
Target signal
受付は六時で終了するということです。
They say reception closes at six o'clock.
Polite です/ます can appear in formal explanations.
Vocabulary notes
- という
- called; that is to say; named
- すると
- then; when that happens
- という
- called; that ...; saying that ...
Preview
田中様は本日お休みとのことでした。
I was told that Mr. Tanaka is absent today.
This sounds like relayed information from a prior conversation or notice.
Vocabulary notes
- でした
- was; were (polite)
- こと
- thing; matter; fact
- した
- did
Section 3 of 3
Reading notes
In reading passages, this grammar often appears with source markers such as によると, 連絡では, お知らせによれば, or 手紙には. Pay attention to who originally provided the information. That source relationship is often the main reading skill this lesson trains.
Target signal
お知らせによると、図書館は来週から改装工事に入るということだ。
According to the notice, the library will begin renovation work next week.
Notice-style writing often uses this pattern.
Vocabulary notes
- ということだ
- I hear that; it means that
- によると
- according to
- お知らせ
- notice; announcement
Preview
山本さんからのメールでは、会議の開始時間が変更になったとのことだ。
In an email from Ms. Yamamoto, it said that the meeting start time had changed.
Look for clues showing where the information came from.
Vocabulary notes
- とのことだ
- I heard that; it is said that
- 開始時間
- start time
- メール
- email; mail