によって・
によって says that a result, condition, choice, or judgment differs depending on the person, place, time, case, or other factor named.
The factor must allow different results
The noun before the expression names the factor that changes. The rest of the sentence states what changes with it. A useful test is whether the sentence answers “depending on what?”
The three main forms
によって presents general variation, によっては picks out some cases, and による connects the factor directly to a following noun.
Why the added topic marker matters
によっては does not simply mean that every case produces a different result. It selects certain people, places, or cases and says that a particular result applies to that subset. This often introduces an exception or a less common possibility.
担当者によっては、英語で対応できる場合もあります。
Some staff members may be able to assist in English.
AnalyzeVariation or means?
The same surface form can mark means. In the variation use, ask “depending on what does the result differ?” In the means use, ask “how or by what method was it done?” The example below names the tool used, so it is the means use rather than the point taught on this page.
画像の加工は専用ソフトによって行われました。
The image was edited using specialized software.
AnalyzeMore examples
参加者によって、選ぶ課題が異なります。
The task selected differs depending on the participant.
Analyze店によって営業時間が違います。
Business hours vary from store to store.
Analyze時期によって料金が変わります。
The price changes depending on the time of year.
Analyze国によっては、日曜日に店がほとんど開かないこともあります。
In some countries, hardly any stores may be open on Sundays.
Analyze保存方法によって、安全に食べられる期間が変わります。
How long the food remains safe to eat depends on the storage method.
Analyze年齢による考え方の違いは珍しくありません。
Differences in outlook by age are not unusual.
Analyze