~을/를 따라서

The Korean expression ~을/를 따라서 is a versatile and essential grammatical structure that every learner at the A2 level should master. At its core, it combines the object particle (을/를) with the sequential or causal form of the verb 따르다 (to follow). When translated into English, it most commonly means 'along,' 'following,' or 'in accordance with.' This expression is used to describe physical movement parallel to a line or path, as well as metaphorical adherence to rules, trends, or instructions. Understanding this word requires looking at how Koreans perceive spatial relationships and sequential actions. It is not just about walking behind someone; it is about aligning one's path or actions with an existing guide or boundary.

Physical Path

This is the most literal use. If you are walking along a river, a road, or a hallway, you use this expression to show that the object (the river or road) is the guide for your movement. It implies a continuous movement that mirrors the shape of the object.

Beyond the physical, ~을/를 따라서 is frequently used in instructional contexts. When you follow a recipe, a set of directions, or a teacher's advice, you are 'following' those abstract paths. In Korean culture, following established norms or the guidance of elders is highly valued, making this expression common in social discourse. It suggests a level of compliance or harmony with the source. For example, following a melody in music or following a trend in fashion both utilize this structure because they involve aligning oneself with an external pattern.

Abstract Guidance

This refers to following non-physical things like rules, instructions, or even your own heart. It indicates that the noun preceding the particle is the standard or the map for the subsequent action.

In daily life, you will hear this word in navigation systems ('Keep going along this road'), in classrooms ('Follow the teacher's pronunciation'), and in casual conversations about hobbies ('I just followed the YouTube video'). It is a bridge between a source of direction and the resulting action. The beauty of this expression lies in its ability to transform a simple noun into a guidepost. Whether you are navigating the busy streets of Seoul or navigating the complexities of Korean social etiquette, you are constantly moving 'along' something. This word captures that sense of alignment and progression perfectly.

Social Conformity

In Korea, doing things 'according to' the situation or 'following' the group is often expressed with this phrase, highlighting the cultural emphasis on collective harmony and situational awareness.

Using ~을/를 따라서 correctly involves a simple two-step grammatical process. First, you identify the noun that serves as the path or guide. Second, you attach the appropriate object particle and the phrase '따라서'. Because '따라서' is derived from the verb '따르다' (to follow), the preceding noun is treated as the direct object of that following action. This structural logic is consistent across all levels of formality and context. Whether you are dealing with a physical object like a 'river' (강) or an abstract concept like 'instructions' (설명), the grammar remains the same.

Step 1: Particle Selection

If the noun ends in a consonant (받침), use '을'. Example: 강 (river) + 을 = 강을. If the noun ends in a vowel, use '를'. Example: 지도 (map) + 를 = 지도를.

When constructing sentences, ~을/를 따라서 usually appears in the middle of the sentence, connecting the guide-noun with the main verb of the action. It functions like an adverbial phrase, modifying how the action is performed. It is important to note that '따라서' can also be used as a sentence starter meaning 'Therefore' or 'Consequently,' but in the context of '~을/를 따라서', it always requires a preceding object. This distinction is crucial for reading comprehension. If you see it at the start of a sentence followed by a comma, it is a conjunction. If you see it after an object particle, it means 'along' or 'following'.

Step 2: Verb Alignment

The main verb that follows '따라서' should logically involve movement or adherence. Common verbs include 가다 (to go), 걷다 (to walk), 운전하다 (to drive), 하다 (to do), or 만들다 (to make).

One advanced nuance is using this phrase with people. When you follow a person, you are literally moving behind them or figuratively following their lead. This is often used when giving directions: 'Follow that person to the exit.' In a more poetic or emotional sense, you might follow someone's heart or will. The flexibility of the verb '따르다' allows for a wide range of expressions, from the most mundane physical tasks to deep emotional commitments. Always ensure that the noun you are following is something that can provide a path or a standard for your action.

Common Noun Pairings

Physical: 길 (road), 강 (river), 벽 (wall), 선 (line). Abstract: 규칙 (rule), 순서 (order), 계획 (plan), 지시 (instruction).

In the real world, ~을/를 따라서 is everywhere. If you visit South Korea, one of the first places you will encounter it is on public transportation or while using navigation apps like KakaoMap or Naver Maps. The GPS voice will frequently say things like '도로를 따라서 500미터 직진하세요' (Go straight for 500 meters along the road). This is a foundational phrase for anyone trying to navigate a new city. It provides a clear, linear instruction that helps travelers stay on the right path. Even on hiking trails in the beautiful mountains of Korea, you will see signs that say '등산로를 따라서 걸으세요' (Please walk along the hiking trail), ensuring that hikers stay safe and protect the environment.

Navigation & Directions

Whether it is a digital voice or a person pointing the way, this phrase is the standard for describing movement along a specific route. It is clear, polite, and precise.

Another common setting is the classroom or any learning environment. Korean teachers often use this phrase to encourage imitation, which is a key part of traditional Korean pedagogy. You will hear '제 발음을 따라서 하세요' (Please repeat after my pronunciation) or '책의 내용을 따라서 써 보세요' (Try writing following the content of the book). This usage highlights the 'imitation' aspect of the word, where the student's action is a direct reflection of the teacher's model. In this context, it is not just about physical movement but about mental and vocal alignment. It is a way of saying 'copy me' or 'use this as your template'.

Educational Contexts

Teachers use this to guide students through exercises, pronunciation, and writing. It establishes a model-follower relationship that is very effective for language acquisition.

In the media, especially in cooking shows or DIY tutorials, this phrase is indispensable. The host will say '영상을 따라서 만들어 보세요' (Try making it following the video). This is how modern Koreans share skills and hobbies. Whether it is a K-pop dance tutorial where you follow the idol's moves or a makeup tutorial where you follow the artist's technique, ~을/를 따라서 is the link between the expert and the learner. It signifies a guided experience. Even in news reports, you might hear about people following a new trend or a government policy, showing how the word scales from small personal actions to large societal movements.

Media & Tutorials

From YouTube to TV, this is the go-to phrase for inviting the audience to participate by mimicking the actions shown on screen.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing ~을/를 따라서 with ~에 따라서. While they look similar, their meanings and grammatical functions are quite different. '~을/를 따라서' means 'following' or 'along' a physical or instructional path. In contrast, '~에 따라서' means 'depending on' or 'according to' a variable. For example, '날씨에 따라서' means 'depending on the weather,' whereas '강을 따라서' means 'along the river.' Using the wrong particle can completely change the meaning of your sentence or make it nonsensical. Always remember: '을/를' is for a path you follow, '에' is for a factor that causes change.

Particle Confusion

Mistake: 날씨를 따라서 (Incorrect for 'depending on weather'). Correct: 날씨에 따라서. Mistake: 길에 따라서 (Incorrect for 'along the road'). Correct: 길을 따라서.

Another common error is failing to use the object particle at all. Some learners might say '길 따라서' instead of '길을 따라서.' While this is sometimes acceptable in very fast, casual speech, it is grammatically incomplete and can sound 'broken' to native speakers, especially in formal or written contexts. The verb '따르다' is transitive, meaning it requires a direct object. Omitting the particle '을/를' removes the grammatical link that makes the sentence flow naturally. For beginners and intermediate learners, it is always better to include the particle to ensure clarity and demonstrate a solid grasp of Korean grammar.

Particle Omission

Mistake: 규칙 따라서 하세요. Correct: 규칙을 따라서 하세요. (Follow the rules.) The '을' is necessary to show that 'rules' are what is being followed.

A third mistake involves the confusion between '따라서' as a conjunction and '따라서' as part of the '~을/를 따라서' structure. As mentioned before, if '따라서' starts a sentence, it means 'Therefore.' Learners sometimes try to use '~을/를 따라서' at the end of a sentence as a concluding thought, which doesn't work. It must be followed by a verb or be part of a larger clause. For example, you cannot just say '강을 따라서.' and stop. You must say '강을 따라서 걸어요.' (I walk along the river). The phrase describes the *manner* of an action, so the action itself must be present for the sentence to be complete.

Incomplete Sentences

Mistake: 저는 길을 따라서. (Incomplete). Correct: 저는 길을 따라서 갔어요. (I went along the road.) Always finish the thought with a verb.

To truly master ~을/를 따라서, it is helpful to compare it with other similar expressions. The most direct alternative is simply ~을/를 따라. As previously mentioned, this is just a shortened version. In spoken Korean, '따라' is much more common because it is faster to say. However, in formal writing, speeches, or when you want to emphasize the sequence of events (following *and then* doing), '따라서' is preferred. They are 95% interchangeable, but '따라서' carries a slightly more complete, formal tone. If you are a beginner, using '따라서' is safer as it sounds more deliberate and grammatically correct.

~을/를 따라 vs ~을/를 따라서

'따라' is casual and common in speech. '따라서' is more formal and emphasizes the connection between the following and the action. Example: 길을 따라 가요 (Casual) vs 길을 따라서 가세요 (Polite/Instructional).

Another similar expression is ~대로, which means 'as' or 'in accordance with.' While '따라서' implies a path or a model, '대로' focuses more on the exactness of the replication. For example, '말씀하신 대로' means 'exactly as you said.' You could also say '말씀을 따라서,' but this sounds more like you are following the spirit or the direction of the words, whereas '대로' sounds like you are following the specific details. '따라서' is better for physical paths and general guidance, while '대로' is better for strict adherence to a specific state or command.

~대로 (As/Exactly as)

Use '대로' when you want to emphasize that the action is done exactly like the source. '따라서' is more about the general direction or path. Example: 시키는 대로 하세요 (Do exactly as told) vs 지시를 따라서 하세요 (Do following the instructions).

Finally, consider ~에 의해(서), which means 'by' or 'due to.' This is much more formal and is often used in passive sentences or academic writing. While '따라서' shows an active choice to follow a path, '~에 의해' often shows that an action was caused or determined by something else. For example, '법에 따라서' means 'following the law' (an active choice of behavior), while '법에 의해' means 'by the law' (a legal consequence). Understanding these subtle differences will help you choose the right word for the right situation, making your Korean sound more natural and sophisticated.

~에 의해(서) (By/Due to)

This is very formal. It indicates agency or cause. Example: 중력에 의해 떨어져요 (It falls due to gravity) vs 길을 따라서 내려가요 (I go down along the road).