How to tell them apart
につれて and に従って both link two changes happening together, but につれて focuses on a natural parallel shift where one change tracks another, like 成長するにつれて親から離れていく. に従って tends to emphasize a proportional or rule-like correspondence, often with measurable quantities, as in 収入が増えるに従って支出も増える. Swapping them is not always wrong, but に従って sounds heavier and more formal, so it feels unnatural for simple seasonal or emotional shifts where につれて is the default.
- につれて/つれ Use につれて when two changes naturally unfold side by side, especially emotional or seasonal shifts.
- に従って/従い Use に従って when one change follows another in a proportional, rule-like, or measurable way.
| Grammar point | Meaning | JLPT level |
|---|---|---|
| につれて/つれ nitsurete tsure | As something changes; along with it | N3 |
| に従って/従い ni tte i | Following, in line with; as (something changes) | N3 |
につれて/つれ nitsurete tsure
As something changes; along with it
につれて and its shorter form つれ express that as one situation gradually changes, another change happens in parallel with it. It follows the dictionary form of a verb, as in 年をとるにつれて, and directly follows a noun, as in 時代につれて. Both the first and second parts must describe ongoing or gradual change, so it is not used for a single one time action or decision.
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夜が更けるにつれて寒くなった。
It became colder as the night wore on.
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冬が近づくにつれて日が短くなる。
The days grow shorter as winter approaches.
に従って/従い ni tte i
Following, in line with; as (something changes)
に従って has two related uses: following rules, orders, or beliefs, and describing a gradual change where one thing progresses along with another. It follows a noun, as in ルールに従って, or the dictionary form of a verb, as in 年をとるに従って, with 従い serving as a more formal written form. It sounds formal and written, so it pairs poorly with casual commands and is not used for decisions based on degree or ability.
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新しいルールにしたがって試合をした。
We played the game in accordance with the new rules.
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信念にしたがって行動するのは難しい。
It is hard to live up to your convictions.
につれて/つれ and に従って/従い are both JLPT N3 grammar points that Japanese learners often mix up. This page compares them side by side on meanings, usage and example sentences, so you can tell them apart.