によって / による【による】

The expressions によって and による are grammar patterns built from the particle に and the verb よる. They serve several distinct functions depending on context. によって is used mid-sentence to connect clauses, while による is the attributive form that directly modifies a following noun. A more formal written variant により also exists.

Means or method – "by means of" / "through"

Indicates how something is accomplished or the tool/method used.

Cause or reason – "due to" / "because of"

Indicates the cause of an event, often used with natural disasters, accidents, or significant events.

Agent in passive sentences – "by"

Used to mark the agent (the doer) in passive constructions, similar to English "by."

Variation – "depending on"

Expresses that something changes or differs based on a condition. Often appears as によっては to mean "in some cases, depending on."

Summary of forms

• によって: Used before verbs/clauses (conjunctive)
• による: Used before nouns (attributive) – e.g. じしん地震によるひがい被害
• により: Formal/written equivalent of によって
• によっては: "Depending on" with the nuance of "in some cases"