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it has been decided that
Definition
The grammar pattern "V-dictionary/V-nai + ことになる" is used to express a decision or outcome that has been determined by external factors, organizations, or circumstances rather than the speaker's own will. It often sounds more objective or formal. This pattern is commonly used in situations where the speaker is not the one making the decision, but rather is being affected by it. For example, a company's decision to change its policies or a government's decision to implement new laws. The use of this pattern emphasizes the fact that the decision is not personal, but rather a result of external circumstances.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary form | V-dictionary + ことになる | 会議の司会を任せることになる |
| Nai form | V-nai + ことになる | 明日伺うことにならない |
| Other verb forms | Other verb forms + ことになる | 来週から新しいプロジェクトが始まることになる |
Examples
部長の命令で、私が会議の司会を任せることになる。
Bucho no meirei de, watashi ga kaigi no shiwa o nemaseru koto ni naru.
It has been decided that I will be in charge of the meeting.
部長の命令で (because of the department head's order), 私が (I), 会議の司会を (to be in charge of the meeting), 任せる (to be given the responsibility), ことになる (it has been decided)
急用ができたので、明日伺うことにならない。
Kyuu-yuu ga dekimashita node, ashita mieteiru koto ni naranai.
It has been decided that I won't be able to visit tomorrow.
急用ができたので (because of the urgent matter), 明日 (tomorrow), 伺う (to visit), ことになる (it has been decided)
来週から新しいプロジェクトが始まることになる。
Raishuu kara atarashii purojekuto ga hajimaru koto ni naru.
It has been decided that the new project will start next week.
来週から (from next week), 新しいプロジェクト (new project), が (subject marker), 始まる (to start), ことになる (it has been decided)
Context
This pattern is often used in formal or professional settings to emphasize the objective nature of the decision. It can also be used to express a sense of inevitability or necessity. In contrast to other patterns that express personal choice or preference, this pattern emphasizes the external factors that have led to the decision.
Watch out
While 'koto ni suru' can be used to express a decision made by a person, it is more commonly used to express a decision made by a company or organization. 'Koto ni naru' is a more formal and objective way to express a decision that has been made by external factors.
This pattern is used to express a decision that has been made by external factors, not personal choice. Make sure to use the correct context to avoid confusion.
Make sure to use the correct tense of 'naru' or 'natta' depending on the context. 'Naru' is used for future or habitual decisions, while 'natta' is used for past decisions.
Strategy
Pay attention to the context and the use of formal or objective language. Make sure to use the correct tense and pattern to express the decision. Practice using this pattern in different contexts to improve your understanding and accuracy.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N3 test-style questions. Each sentence shows V-dictionary/V-nai + ことになる used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
部長の命令で、私が会議の司会をすることになりました。
Pattern used: することになりました
Use 'koto ni naru' because the decision was made by the boss ('bucho'), not the speaker.
急用ができたので、明日伺えないことになりました。
Pattern used: ことになりました
Indicates that the situation (the 'sudden business') led to the result of being unable to visit.
来週から新しいプロジェクトが始まることになりました。
Pattern used: 始まることになりました
'koto ni naru' is used for objective facts about schedules or decisions.
Interactive
部長の命令で、私が会議の司会を______。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.