N2#grammar#n2#change#causality

Complex Sentences Lesson 4

Master the N2 grammar points 〜につれて and 〜に伴って, used to describe simultaneous changes or developments.

Context

Observing Change

In life, we often notice that as one thing changes, another thing inevitably follows. Perhaps as you get older, your perspective on life shifts, or as a city grows, the cost of living rises.

Japanese provides specific structures to express this 'A changes, and B changes along with it' relationship. These are formal, written-style expressions essential for N2-level communication.
Explanation

The Grammar of Change

Both 〜につれて and 〜に伴って describe a situation where one change triggers or accompanies another.

につれてに伴って
Use these patterns when a change in one factor causes a corresponding change in another. They imply a progressive, ongoing development rather than a single, static event.

Tip

Both phrases require the preceding verb to be in the dictionary form (non-past) or a noun. They cannot be used with past tense verbs.
Examples

Seeing it in Action

Observe how these patterns link two evolving states.

試験(しけん)近づく(ちかづく)につれて、緊張(きんちょう)が高まってきた。

As the exam approaches, my nervousness has increased.

試験しけんexam近づくちかづくto approach緊張きんちょうnervousness高まるたかまるto rise

時代(じだい)変化(へんか)に伴って、人々の価値観(かちかん)も変わる。

Along with changes in the era, people's values also change.

時代じだいera変化へんかchange価値観かちかんvalues

気温(きおん)上がる(あがる)につれて、冷たい飲み物が売れる(うれる)

As the temperature rises, cold drinks sell better.

気温きおんtemperature上がるあがるto rise売れるうれるto sell

人口が増える【につれて】、ゴミの問題が深刻になった。

Hint: Use the grammar point learned in this lesson.

As the population increases, the trash problem has become serious.

Usage

Nuance and Usage

While similar, there are subtle differences in how these are used.

Nuance Comparison

〜につれて

Focuses on the progression of change over time.

年をとるにつれて体力が落ちる。

〜に伴って

Focuses on the direct correlation or 'concomitant' nature of the change.

増税に伴って価格が上がる。

Which of these is more appropriate for a formal business report?

  • 〜につれて
  • 〜に伴って

〜に伴って is slightly more formal and often used in official or business contexts to describe direct correlations.

Deep dive

Advanced Usage

A closer look at constraints.

Note that these patterns are generally used for 'change' verbs (e.g., 増える, 上がる, 変化する). You cannot use them with static verbs like 'ある' or '知っている' because there is no progressive change to track.
Summary

Lesson Summary

You have learned how to express simultaneous change using 〜につれて and 〜に伴って. Remember to use these for progressive developments in formal writing.

緊張
きんちょうnoun
nervousness
価値観
かちかんnoun
values
深刻
しんこくna-adjective
serious
人口
じんこうnoun
population

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