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It has been arranged/decided that...
Definition
The grammar pattern "V（辞書形／ない形）＋ことになっている" is used to express a rule, custom, or appointment that has been decided by an external authority or group. It focuses on the resulting state of the decision rather than the act of deciding. This pattern is often used to describe a situation where a rule or regulation has been established, and it is expected to be followed. The use of "ことになっている" emphasizes the fact that the decision has been made and is now in effect.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary form | V（辞書形）＋ことになっている | 食事は１２時から始まることになっている |
| Negative form | V（ない形）＋ことになっている | 車を運転する時はシートベルトを着用することになっている |
| Irregular verb forms | V（特殊形）＋ことになっている | 来週の会議は、東京で開催されることになっている |
Examples
この寮では、夜10時に就寝することになっている
Kono ryō wa, yoru jū toki ni shuunetsu suru koto ni natta
It has been decided that we should go to bed at 10 PM in this dormitory.
この寮では (in this dormitory), 夜10時に (at 10 PM), 就寝することになっている (it has been decided that we should go to bed)
明日の会議は、3階の会議室で開催されることになっている
Ashita no kaigi wa, 3-kai no kaigishitsu de kaishasareru koto ni natta
It has been decided that tomorrow's meeting will be held in the 3rd floor conference room.
明日の会議は (tomorrow's meeting), 3階の会議室で (in the 3rd floor conference room), 開催されることになっている (it has been decided that it will be held)
法律で、車を運転する時はシートベルトを着用することになっている
Hōritsu de, kuruma o untensuru toki wa, shīto beruto o kaku suru koto ni natta
According to the law, it has been decided that we should wear seatbelts while driving.
法律で (according to the law), 車を運転する時は (while driving), シートベルトを着用することになっている (it has been decided that we should wear seatbelts)
Context
This pattern is used to express a rule or regulation that has been established by an external authority or group. It is often used in formal or official contexts, such as laws, regulations, or company policies. The use of "ことになっている" emphasizes the fact that the decision has been made and is now in effect.
Watch out
The past tense 'natta' is used to describe a completed action in the past, whereas the present tense 'ni natta' or 'ni shite iru' is used to describe a rule or regulation that is currently in effect.
Koto ni shite iru is used to describe a personal habit or a routine action, whereas the pattern "V（辞書形／ない形）＋ことになっている" is used to express a rule or regulation that has been established by an external authority or group.
Koto ni suru is used to describe the act of deciding or making a decision, whereas the pattern "V（辞書形／ない形）＋ことになっている" is used to express a rule or regulation that has been established by an external authority or group.
Strategy
When using this pattern, make sure to use the correct verb form and the correct tense. Also, be aware of the common mistakes and try to avoid them. Practice using this pattern in different contexts and with different verb forms to improve your skills.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N4 test-style questions. Each sentence shows V（辞書形／ない形）＋ことになっている used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
この寮では、夜10時に帰ることになっています。
Pattern used: 帰る
'Koto ni natte iru' is the standard way to describe established dormitory rules or curfews.
明日の会議は、3階の会議室で行うことになっています。
Pattern used: 行う
This pattern is used for pre-scheduled events and official appointments.
法律で、車を運転する時はシートベルトをすることになっています。
Pattern used: する
It is used for legal requirements and public regulations that apply to everyone.
Interactive
この寮では、夜10時に______ことになっています。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.