ということだ・
ということだ reports information learned from a source or restates what earlier information amounts to. とのことだ is a more compact, formal way to relay a message, notice, or report.
Two main uses
For a report, the source is either named or clear from context. Phrases such as によると and では make this reading especially clear. In the restatement use, the form follows information already given and explains its meaning or practical import rather than introducing an unrelated conclusion.
Reports and restatements
気象庁の発表によると、台風は明日の朝、九州に近づくということです。
According to the weather agency's announcement, the typhoon will approach Kyushu tomorrow morning.
Analyzeによると explicitly identifies the written source.
田中さんから連絡があり、電車が遅れているため、十分ほど遅れるとのことです。
Tanaka contacted us to say that the train is delayed and that they will be about ten minutes late.
Analyzeとのことです neatly relays the content of a personal message.
この券は今日限り有効です。つまり、明日は使えないということです。
This ticket is valid only today. In other words, it cannot be used tomorrow.
AnalyzeThe second sentence gives a close restatement of what “valid only today” means.
Restatement versus a new inference
ということだ can explain what earlier wording amounts to. By contrast, ということは foregrounds a new conclusion drawn from observed facts. Borderline subjective conclusions are best treated as the latter pattern.
会議室の明かりが消えている。ということは、会議はもう終わったのだろう。
The meeting-room lights are off. That means the meeting has probably already ended.
AnalyzeThe speaker observes the lights and then draws a new inference about the meeting.
More examples
大学のウェブサイトによると、図書館は来週から改修工事に入るということだ。
According to the university website, the library will undergo renovations starting next week.
Analyze担当者の話では、結果は金曜日に発表されるということです。
According to the person in charge, the results will be announced on Friday.
Analyzeホテルから、チェックインは午後三時からだとのことです。
The hotel says that check-in begins at three in the afternoon.
Analyze医師から連絡があり、検査の結果に問題はなかったとのことです。
The doctor contacted us to say that there were no problems with the test results.
Analyze規則では、申請は本人が行うということだ。
The rules state that applications must be made by the applicant personally.
Analyze料金には朝食も含まれています。つまり、朝食代を別に払わなくてよいということです。
Breakfast is included in the price. In other words, there is no need to pay for breakfast separately.
Analyze