による
By means of, According to, Depending on, Because of, Due to
Structure
Noun + により
Explanation
によって, による, and により are all related grammatical structures that express the idea of 'depending on (A)' or 'based on (A)'. They are derived from the same verb, よる, which you may recognize from the grammar point によると. Each form has a slightly different usage, as shown below:
によって - This form typically appears mid-sentence, often followed by a comma. It serves to connect a specific condition or basis (A) with a resulting situation (B). It is constructed from the case marking particle に plus the て-form of the う-Verb よる.
による - This form is most often found at the very end of a sentence. Its function is to state that the outcome of the entire clause is contingent upon (A).
により - Almost always preceding a comma, this form also connects a cause or basis (A) to its result (B). It is considered slightly more formal than によって. It is formed with the case marking particle に and the conjunctive form of the う-Verb よる.
To employ any of these grammar patterns, simply attach the desired form to the end of a noun. This noun will represent the factor that determines the outcome.
- 人によって、考え方は様々だ。Ways of thinking vary depending on the person.
- 成功するかどうかは君の努力による。Whether you succeed or not depends on your effort.
- 飛行機は大雪により欠航した。The flight was canceled due to the heavy snow.
Caution
による can also be placed directly before a noun. When used this way, it functions to modify that noun, indicating that it is a direct consequence of (A).
- その頭痛は寝不足によるものです。That headache is caused by a lack of sleep.
- この火事による被害は大きい。The damage from this fire is significant.
Fun Fact
While よる is nearly always written with hiragana in modern Japanese, several kanji can be used for it (such as 依る or 因る). These kanji all carry related nuances. You can find more information about this in the lesson for によると.
Examples
天気によって、昼ご飯をどこで食べるか決めよう。
Let's decide where to eat lunch depending on the weather.
文化によって、考え方が違う。
Ways of thinking differ depending on the culture.
台風によって多くの家が壊れた。
Many houses were destroyed due to the typhoon.
成功するかどうかは、その人の努力による。
Whether a person succeeds or not depends on their effort.
インターネットによって、世界中の情報が手に入る。
Through the internet, you can get information from all over the world.
飲み物の種類は、気分によるね。
What kind of drink I'll have depends on my mood.
私の会社では、部署によって雰囲気が全然違う。
At my company, the atmosphere is completely different depending on the department.
入れ方によって、コーヒーの味が変わる。
The taste of the coffee changes depending on how you brew it.
この問題は対話によって解決すべきだ。
This problem should be solved through dialogue.
事故によって電車が遅れた。
The train was late because of an accident.
睡眠不足により、仕事でミスをしてしまった。
Due to a lack of sleep, I made a mistake at work.
この機械は電気によって動いています。
This machine is operated by electricity. (by means of)