に照らして・
に照らして and に照らすと present a rule, standard, evidence, precedent, or established fact as the benchmark used to evaluate something. The important idea is comparison against that benchmark, not merely using it as background information.
Keep the benchmark and the case separate
The noun before the expression is the benchmark, while a different matter is evaluated afterward. Typical benchmarks include laws, regulations, criteria, evidence, precedent, historical facts, and accepted social norms.
規程に照らして、申請内容を審査した。
The application was reviewed against the regulations.
AnalyzeThe regulations are the benchmark, and the application is the separate matter being reviewed.
現時点の証拠に照らすと、その説明には疑問が残る。
In light of the evidence currently available, that explanation remains questionable.
AnalyzeThe second part gives the judgment reached by checking the explanation against the evidence.
Choosing between the two forms
に照らして smoothly introduces the basis on which someone reviews, interprets, or decides something. に照らすと is particularly useful when the following clause states the conclusion that becomes apparent after the comparison. Their meanings overlap, so this is a difference of sentence focus rather than a rigid rule.
Evaluation versus compliance
に照らして checks or evaluates a case against a rule. By contrast, に則って says that an action is performed in conformity with the rule. If the point is simply that someone followed a procedure, the latter is the natural choice.
社内規程に則って手続きを進めた。
The procedure was carried out in accordance with the company regulations.
AnalyzeThis describes compliance with the regulations, not an evaluation made by comparing something against them.
More examples
国の指針に照らして、当社の安全対策を再評価した。
We reassessed our company’s safety measures against the national guidelines.
Analyze過去の判例に照らすと、この処分は重すぎる。
Judged against past precedents, this penalty is too severe.
Analyze審査基準に照らして、委員会は採用を見送った。
After evaluating it against the screening criteria, the committee decided not to approve it.
Analyze歴史的事実に照らすと、その解釈は成り立たない。
In light of the historical facts, that interpretation does not hold up.
Analyze社会通念に照らして、その広告表現が適切か検討する。
We will consider whether the wording of the advertisement is appropriate when judged against accepted social norms.
Analyze提出された資料に照らすと、数値の修正が必要だ。
In light of the submitted materials, the figures need to be corrected.
Analyze