Meaning & usage
ことで expresses the means, method, or cause that leads to a result, often translated as by doing, through doing, or as a result of doing. It follows the dictionary form of a verb for a general or future action, as in 走ることで, and the past た form, as in 話したことで, for an action already completed. It is neutral in register and common in both speech and writing, but take care to keep the doer clear since the ことで clause can otherwise sound disconnected from the main result.
Example sentences 5
-
毎日走ることで、体が強くなった。
By running every day, my body got stronger.
-
日本語を話すことで友達ができた。
I made friends by speaking Japanese.
-
早く寝ることで朝起きられる。
By going to bed early, I can get up in the morning.
-
運動したことでよく眠れた。
As a result of exercising, I slept well.
-
彼女と話したことで安心した。
Talking with her made me feel relieved.
In past JLPT papers
This came up in 1 past exam question.
