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
Decisions made by someone or something else
ことになる often means “it has been decided that...” The source of the decision may be a company, school, group, rule, or situation rather than the speaker’s personal choice.
Target signal
来月から大阪で働くことになりました。
It has been decided that I will work in Osaka starting next month.
The decision sounds like an assignment or arrangement, not just a private intention.
Vocabulary notes
- なりました
- became
- ことに
- into the situation that; in the arrangement that
- から
- from; because
Compare in context
学校の行事は体育館で行うことになりました。
It was decided that the school event would be held in the gymnasium.
A group or school arrangement decides the action.
Vocabulary notes
- なりました
- became
- ことに
- into the situation that; in the arrangement that
- 体育館
- gymnasium
Compare in context
新しいルールで、九時に集まることになりました。
Under the new rule, it was decided that we would gather at nine.
The rule sets the arrangement.
Vocabulary notes
- なりました
- became
- ことに
- into the situation that; in the arrangement that
- ルール
- rule
Section 2 of 3
Results caused by circumstances
ことになる can also show that events lead to an outcome. In this use, the result may not be what someone personally chose at first.
Target signal
電車が止まったので、歩いて帰ることになった。
Because the train stopped, I ended up walking home.
The train problem caused the outcome.
Vocabulary notes
- ことに
- into the situation that; in the arrangement that
- 歩いて
- walking
- こと
- thing; matter; fact
Preview
会場が狭いので、別の部屋を使うことになった。
Because the venue was cramped, it was decided that another room would be used.
The cramped room created the need for a different choice.
Vocabulary notes
- ことに
- into the situation that; in the arrangement that
- こと
- thing; matter; fact
- ので
- because; since
Preview
人が増えたので、机を外に出すことになりました。
Because the number of people increased, it was decided that the desks would be taken outside.
A change in circumstances leads to a new arrangement.
Vocabulary notes
- なりました
- became
- ことに
- into the situation that; in the arrangement that
- こと
- thing; matter; fact
Section 3 of 3
Standing arrangements with ことになっている
ことになっている means that something is arranged, scheduled, or set as a rule. You will see it in notices, school instructions, workplace messages, and community announcements.
Target signal
来年から授業料が上がることになっています。
It has been arranged that tuition will rise starting next year.
ことになっています presents an established arrangement.
Vocabulary notes
- います
- there is; exists (animate)
- ことに
- into the situation that; in the arrangement that
- なって
- became; turned into
Preview
会社では来月から新しい時間表を使うことになっています。
At the company, it has been arranged that they will use a new timetable starting next month.
会社では marks the organization where the arrangement applies.
Vocabulary notes
- います
- there is; exists (animate)
- ことに
- into the situation that; in the arrangement that
- なって
- became; turned into
Preview
先生の説明で、レポートは金曜日までに出すことになった。
Because of the teacher’s explanation, it was decided that the report must be submitted by Friday.
The teacher’s explanation clarifies the arrangement.
Vocabulary notes
- レポート
- report; paper
- ことに
- into the situation that; in the arrangement that
- 金曜日
- Friday