ことによる

expression, noun-modifying (irregular), godan verb (-ru)

depending on the circumstances; it depends

Fixed expression meaning that the answer, decision, or outcome depends on the particular matter or situation. Often overlaps in everyday use with 場合による, but ことによる can sound a little more set-phrase-like.

See also: による

• その依い頼らいを引ひき受うけるかどうかは、ことによる。

  Whether I accept that request depends on the circumstances.

• ことによると、追つい加かの費ひ用ようがかかるかもしれません。

  Depending on the circumstances, there may be additional costs.

expression, godan verb (-ru)

due to; caused by; resulting from

Used after a modifying verb or clause as in Vたことによる, usually to modify a following noun such as 影響, 損害, or 変化. It expresses that something is due to the fact that the preceding event happened.

• システムが停てい止ししたことによる影えい響きょうは大おおきかった。

  The impact caused by the system shutdown was significant.

• 大おお雨あめが続つづいたことによる被ひ害がいが各かく地ちで報ほう告こくされた。

  Damage resulting from the continued heavy rain was reported in many areas.