にしたがってas … changes; following (a rule)
After a change it is "as": the second thing changes step by step with the first. After an instruction or a rule it is "following" or "in accordance with".
as … changes
As the altitude rises, the average temperature falls.
following
Please follow the staff's instructions and move to your assigned seat.
As … changes
Verb dictionary form／noun for a change + にしたがって
The verb stays in the dictionary form, even about the past. Formal writing also has にしたがい.
Following
Noun (an instruction, a rule, a sign) + にしたがって
Usually written に従って in this meaning. Notices also have に従い.
- Before it
- For "as", a change that takes time: 進む, 増える, 近づく, 増加. For "following", something you obey: 指示 (instructions), 規則 (rules), 矢印 (arrows), 説明書 (the manual).
- Tone
- A little formal. In conversation "as" is usually につれて.
- Where you'll meet it
- "As": reports, textbooks, the news. "Following": announcements, manuals, forms and signs.
As one thing changes
As the research went on, the problems with the original hypothesis became clear.
As the number of users grew, so did the load on the server.
As digitalisation advances, the number of paper application forms is falling.
Following an instruction or a rule
Station staff, cabin crew and manuals say it. It is the verb 従う, to follow or obey.
Please follow the arrows.
I put the shelves together following the instructions.
The four words for "as … changes"
につれてN3
Both sides change little by little. Neutral: people say it as well as write it.
As I've gotten older, staying up all night has become harder.
とともにN3
The same as につれて, in a stiffer voice. After a person it is "together with".
As the population ages, social security costs are rising too.
にしたがってN2This page
Also the same as につれて, a little formal: reports and explanations. It alone can mean "following" an instruction or a rule (指示にしたがって).
As you go farther north, the temperature drops.
に伴ってN2
One development brings another with it. It can be a single event and what comes of it, so nothing has to be gradual. The most formal of the four.
With the move of our head office, we are changing our address and telephone number.
Close neighbours
したがってN2
With no に, at the start of a sentence, it is "therefore".
The budget is not enough. Therefore, the plan needs to be looked at again.
に沿ってN2
In line with a plan or a policy: you keep close to it. にしたがって is doing what you are told.
We will carry out the survey in line with the plan.
Check yourself
1Which one fits?
画面の
Choose an answer to see why.
2Which にしたがって means "as … changes"?
Choose an answer to see why.
More sentences
As the typhoon drew closer, the wind along the coast grew stronger too.
As the economy grew, demand for electricity in the cities rose too.
As the market expanded, the companies taking part came from a wider range of industries.
As the population ages, the share taken up by medical costs is gradually rising.