These three N2 patterns all connect a trigger condition to a result, but each works differently: となると is about hypothetical triggers, につけ is about recurring triggers, and とともに is about synchronized change.
となると: If it comes to that...
「となると」expresses that once a new situation arises, corresponding consequences follow or reconsideration is needed:
| Example | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 5万人がここに来るとなると、周辺の交通に多大な影響を及ぼすと思う。 | If 50,000 people come here, I think it'll have a huge impact on surrounding traffic. |
| 来月から海外に転勤するとなると、準備が大変だ。 | If I'm being transferred overseas next month, preparations will be intense. |
| 彼が来ないとなると、計画を変えなければならない。 | If he's not coming, we'll have to change the plan. |
Connection: Verb dictionary/ない form + となると; noun + となると
Key Features
- The following clause typically involves reassessment or action needed
- Unlike たら, となると emphasizes judgment and response when facing a new situation
- Common in formal contexts
につけ: Every time... it reminds me
「につけ」means every time a certain situation is encountered, a certain feeling or thought arises — a recurring trigger pattern:
| Example | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 大地震のニュースを聞くにつけ、環境破壊の深刻さが思い出されてならない。 | Every time I hear earthquake news, I can't help but think of how serious environmental destruction is. |
| 子供の成長を見るにつけ、月日の経つのが早いと感じる。 | Every time I see my children growing, I feel how fast time passes. |
Connection: Verb dictionary form + につけ
Fixed Pattern: AにつけBにつけ
| Example | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 嬉しいにつけ悲しいにつけ、母のことを思い出す。 | Whether happy or sad, I think of my mother. |
| 何かにつけ文句を言う。 | They complain about everything. |
AにつけBにつけ = Whether A or B, (the same result always follows)
とともに: Along with... / At the same time as...
「とともに」has two uses:
Use 1: Accompanying Change
Expresses that as A changes, B changes along with it:
| Example | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 年を取るとともに、体力が落ちてきた。 | Along with aging, my stamina has declined. |
| 経済の発展とともに、環境問題も深刻になった。 | Along with economic development, environmental problems have worsened. |
Connection: Verb dictionary form + とともに; noun + とともに
Use 2: Simultaneous / Together with
Expresses happening at the same time or together with someone:
| Example | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 彼女は家族とともに海外に移住した。 | She moved overseas together with her family. |
| ベルが鳴るとともに、生徒たちが教室を飛び出した。 | The moment the bell rang, students rushed out of the classroom. |
Three Patterns Compared
| Pattern | Core | Trigger type | Following clause |
|---|---|---|---|
| となると | If it comes to that | Hypothetical new situation | Response/judgment |
| につけ | Every time... | Recurring trigger | Feeling/thought |
| とともに | Along with / simultaneously | Synchronized change | Parallel change |
One-line distinction: となると faces a hypothetical, につけ triggers memories, とともに tracks gradual change.
Summary
- となると = once a new situation arises, you need to respond/reconsider
- につけ = every time X happens, a feeling arises; AにつけBにつけ = whether A or B
- とともに = accompanying change / at the same time as
Practice
1. Choose the right pattern:
子供の写真を見る____、故郷が懐かしくなる。
Show answer
子供の写真を見るにつけ、故郷が懐かしくなる。 Every time I see photos of my children, I feel nostalgic for my hometown = recurring trigger → につけ.
2. What does「日本語を勉強するとともに、日本の文化も学んでいる」mean?
Show answer
While studying Japanese, I'm also learning about Japanese culture. Here とともに means "at the same time as" — two things happening in parallel.
3. Complete with となると:
今年中に引っ越す____、すぐに物件を探さないと。
Show answer
今年中に引っ越すとなると、すぐに物件を探さないと。 If I'm moving before year-end, I need to start looking for a place right away. (responding to a new situation)