Meaning and Usage
"ことによると" is a formal expression used to indicate that something might happen or be true depending on certain conditions or circumstances. It often introduces a possibility or speculation that is not certain but plausible.
Common Contexts
This phrase is frequently used in spoken and written Japanese when the speaker wants to suggest a possibility without strong certainty. It is often followed by expressions like "かもしれない" (might) or "〜かも".
Collocations and Patterns
- ことによると + かもしれない: to express a possibility depending on circumstances.
- ことによると + 〜かも: a more casual way to express the same nuance.
Register and Politeness
"ことによると" is somewhat formal and more common in written language or polite conversation. It is less casual than simply using "もしかすると" or "もしかしたら" but shares a similar meaning.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "ことによると" with "ことによって," which means "due to" or "by means of." Remember that "ことによると" expresses possibility depending on conditions, while "ことによって" indicates cause or method.