JLPT N2 grammar

〜に従ってmeaning and usage

Meaning

  1. As A changes, B changes (in response to A)
  2. In accordance with A

How to form it

  • verb (dictionary form)に従って/に従い
  • nounに従って/に従い

How it is used

Two senses: as A changes, B changes in step (close to 「〜につれて」); and acting in accordance with rules, instructions or advice, as in 「指示に従って」. The tone is fairly formal.

Examples

  1. 彼の話を聞くにしたがって、生徒たちの目が真剣になってきた。

    As they listened to his talk, the students' eyes grew more and more serious.

  2. 係の人の指示に従って、外に出てください。

    Please follow the staff's instructions and go outside.

  3. 山を登るに従って、気温が下がってきた。

    The higher we climbed, the colder it got.