とともにAs something changes; at the same time
とともに formally presents two developments as changing together, or two facts or actions as occurring or holding together. It is especially common in reports, announcements, and prepared statements.
Two developments moving together
In the change use, the first part describes an ongoing development and the second gives another change occurring alongside it. The two developments should have a clear relationship, but neither one must be presented simply as the direct result of the other.
高齢化が進むとともに、社会保障費も増加している。
As the population ages, social security costs are also increasing.
AnalyzeBoth changes are presented as developing together over time.
技術の進歩とともに、製品の性能も向上した。
As technology advanced, product performance also improved.
Analyze進歩 names a process, so the noun-based pattern is natural here.
Presenting two facts together
とともに can also formally coordinate two properties, facts, or actions. In this use, English often prefers “both A and B,” “as well as,” or a simple “and” rather than a time expression.
この制度は手続きが簡単であるとともに、費用も比較的低い。
This system has both a simple application process and relatively low costs.
AnalyzeThe sentence formally presents two properties of the same system.
委員会は調査結果を公表するとともに、再発防止策を提示した。
The committee published the investigation results and also presented measures to prevent a recurrence.
AnalyzeThis prepared-statement style treats the two official actions as a pair.
Choosing among related patterns
Use と同時に when exact timing or immediate succession is central. Use につれて when B progressively changes as A advances. Use に伴って when B is framed more clearly as an associated consequence of a named event or change. By contrast, とともに readily presents the two sides as parallel developments or jointly stated facts.
A different meaning with people and things
After a person or concrete thing, the same form can mean “together with.” That is a separate companionship reading, not the linked-change or paired-assertion use taught on this page.
代表団は通訳とともに会場に入った。
The delegation entered the venue with an interpreter.
AnalyzeHere the interpreter is a companion, not a process that changes.
More examples
市場が拡大するとともに、企業間の競争も激しくなった。
As the market expanded, competition among companies also intensified.
Analyze春の訪れとともに、観光客の数も増えてきた。
With the arrival of spring, the number of tourists has also begun to rise.
Analyze研究が進むとともに、新たな課題も明らかになった。
As the research progressed, new issues also became apparent.
Analyzeオンライン化が進むとともに、利用者の年齢層も広がっている。
As services move online, the age range of users is also broadening.
Analyze地域経済の回復とともに、雇用状況も改善しつつある。
Alongside the regional economic recovery, employment conditions are also improving.
Analyze新しい設備は省エネ性能に優れているとともに、操作も容易である。
The new equipment is both energy-efficient and easy to operate.
Analyze