B2 · Upper Intermediate Chapter 3

Reporting Trends and Data

6 Total Rules
58 examples
5 min
Rules in This Chapter Quick Practice

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Master the art of professional data reporting and trend analysis in Korean.

  • Express general tendencies and common habits clearly.
  • Analyze data and provide professional evaluations.
  • Report findings and research conclusions with formal structures.
Speak like a pro: Data-driven Korean mastery.

What You'll Learn

Hey there, future Korean pro! Ready to dive into something super cool and surprisingly useful? In this chapter,

Reporting Trends and Data,
you're going to unlock the secrets to sounding really professional and smart when you talk about social tendencies, research, and data in Korean. Even as a beginner (A1!), you'll learn foundational phrases that make you sound like a pro. What exactly will you learn? We'll tackle six powerful grammar patterns, including: * ~는 경향이 있다 (tends to...), perfect for talking about common habits or general inclinations. * ~는 것으로 보인다 (it appears that...), so you can objectively state observations, just like a news reporter! * ~는 것을 시사한다 (suggests that...), to hint at implications from data without being overly assertive. * ~는 양상을 보이다 (shows a pattern of...), for describing how trends or data are changing. * ~는 것으로 나타났다 (it was found that...), an awesome way to report facts and research findings. * And finally, ~는 것으로 평가된다 (is evaluated as...), for giving a professional, data-backed judgment. Why does this matter? Imagine you're watching a Korean news report, reading a simple article, or even just talking to a friend about what's popular among students. These phrases will help you understand and express those ideas clearly and formally. You'll move beyond simple statements and start describing observations, findings, and even simple evaluations with confidence. By the end of this chapter, you won't just know isolated words; you'll be able to professionally describe basic trends you observe, report simple facts, and even suggest what a simple pattern might imply in everyday Korean conversations or when reading basic texts. It might sound complex now, but trust me, we'll break it down so it's super easy and fun. You totally got this!

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to: Synthesize research findings into a coherent report using all six grammar patterns.

Chapter Guide

Overview

Hey there, future Korean pro! Welcome to "Reporting Trends and Data," a pivotal chapter designed to elevate your Korean grammar B2 skills. In this section, you're not just learning new phrases; you're unlocking the ability to articulate observations, research findings, and professional evaluations with the sophistication of a native speaker. This module is essential for anyone aiming to understand or contribute to discussions on social tendencies, academic research, or statistical reports in Korean. Mastering these patterns will significantly enhance your reading comprehension of news articles and academic papers, and empower you to express nuanced ideas in formal settings.
These advanced Korean sentence structures move you beyond basic statements, allowing you to describe phenomena and draw conclusions with greater precision. Whether you're presenting data, discussing societal shifts, or simply explaining why something is happening, these grammatical tools provide the framework for clear, objective, and impactful communication. Embrace these patterns, and you'll find yourself not only sounding more professional but also thinking more critically in Korean, truly solidifying your B2 Korean proficiency.

How This Grammar Works

This chapter introduces six powerful Korean grammar patterns that are indispensable for reporting trends and data. Let's break them down:
First, ~는 경향이 있다 (tends to...) is used to express general tendencies or inclinations. It attaches to verb or adjective stems. For example: 젊은 세대는 온라인 쇼핑을 선호하는 경향이 있다 (The younger generation tends to prefer online shopping).
Next, ~ㄴ/은/는 것으로 보인다 (it appears that...) allows you to state objective observations or inferences. It's often used when presenting findings. For example: 물가 상승률이 둔화되는 것으로 보인다 (It appears that the inflation rate is slowing down). The form depends on the verb/adjective and tense (e.g., ~은 것 for past, ~는 것 for present verbs, ~ㄴ 것 for present adjectives).
Third, ~ㄴ/은/는 것을 시사한다 (suggests that...) is perfect for hinting at implications or interpretations from data without being overly assertive. 코로나19는 재택근무의 확대를 시사한다 (COVID-19 suggests the expansion of remote work).
Fourth, ~ㄴ/은/는 양상을 보이다 (shows a pattern of...) describes how trends or data are evolving or presenting themselves. 최근 소비자들은 친환경 제품에 대한 관심이 증가하는 양상을 보이고 있다 (Recently, consumers are showing a pattern of increasing interest in eco-friendly products).
Fifth, ~ㄴ/은/는 것으로 나타났다 (it was found that...) is a go-to for reporting facts or research results. This is very common in academic or news contexts. 설문조사 결과, 응답자의 70%가 만족하는 것으로 나타났다 (According to the survey, it was found that 70% of respondents were satisfied).
Finally, ~ㄴ/은/는 것으로 평가된다 (is evaluated as...) is used for professional, data-backed judgments or assessments. 이 정책은 경제 성장에 긍정적인 영향을 미치는 것으로 평가된다 (This policy is evaluated as having a positive impact on economic growth).

Common Mistakes

  1. 1✗ Wrong: 경제가 좋아지는 경향 (The economy is a tendency to get better)
✓ Correct: 경제가 좋아지는 경향이 있다 (The economy tends to get better)
*Explanation:* ~는 경향이 있다 is a complete grammatical pattern that requires the verb 있다 (to exist). Simply using 경향 as a noun makes the sentence incomplete or grammatically awkward.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: 보고서가 새로운 사실을 시사해요 (The report suggests new facts [informal])
✓ Correct: 보고서는 새로운 사실을 시사한다 (The report suggests new facts [formal])
*Explanation:* While 시사해요 is grammatically correct as a polite ending, patterns like ~는 것을 시사한다 are typically used in formal, written, or academic contexts where the plain form ~다 (or ~ㅂ니다/습니다 for very formal speech) is more appropriate than ~아요/어요. Using ~다 maintains the objective, reporting tone.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: 결과는 그가 옳다고 나타났다 (The result appeared that he was right)
✓ Correct: 결과는 그가 옳다는 것으로 나타났다 (The result showed that he was right)
*Explanation:* When reporting a finding about a statement or fact, ~다는 것 (that S is true) or ~ㄴ/은/는 것 (nominalizer) is crucial before ~으로 나타났다. The ~다고 structure is for direct/indirect quotation and doesn't fit the "it was found that" meaning as well as the nominalized form.

Real Conversations

A

A

최근 발표된 자료를 보니, 젊은층의 주거비 부담이 증가하는 경향이 있는 것 같아요. (Looking at the recently published data, it seems that the housing cost burden for young people tends to increase.)
B

B

네, 맞아요. 정부 통계에 따르면, 지난 5년간 주거비 지출이 꾸준히 늘어나는 것으로 나타났습니다. (Yes, that's right. According to government statistics, it was found that housing expenditure has steadily increased over the past five years.)
A

A

이번 연구 결과는 기후 변화가 농업 생산량에 미치는 영향이 크다는 것을 시사합니다. (These research results suggest that climate change has a significant impact on agricultural production.)
B

B

그렇다면, 식량 안보에 대한 새로운 대책 마련이 시급한 것으로 평가되는군요. (In that case, the urgent preparation of new measures for food security is evaluated as necessary, isn't it?)
A

A

새로운 서비스에 대한 사용자들의 반응이 어떤 양상을 보이고 있나요? (What kind of pattern are users' reactions to the new service showing?)
B

B

초기에는 다소 부정적이었지만, 최근에는 긍정적인 평가가 늘어나는 양상을 보입니다. (Initially it was somewhat negative, but recently it is showing a pattern of increasing positive evaluations.)

Quick FAQ

Q

How can I make my Korean reports sound more objective and formal?

Using patterns like ~는 것으로 보인다, ~는 것으로 나타났다, and ~는 것으로 평가된다 will significantly elevate the objectivity and formality of your reports, making them suitable for academic or professional contexts.

Q

Is ~는 경향이 있다 only for negative tendencies?

No, ~는 경향이 있다 can be used for both positive and negative tendencies. For example, "사람들이 건강에 더 신경 쓰는 경향이 있다" (People tend to pay more attention to health) is a positive tendency.

Q

Can I use these "reporting trends" patterns in everyday conversation?

While they are primarily formal, you can use them in casual conversations if you're discussing a general observation or a piece of information you've heard, especially when you want to sound a bit more thoughtful or informed. However, for very casual chat, simpler expressions might be more natural.

Q

What's the main difference between ~는 것으로 보인다 and ~는 것으로 나타났다?

~는 것으로 보인다 suggests an appearance or inference based on observation ("it appears that"), while ~는 것으로 나타났다 states a factual finding or result, often from data or research ("it was found that"). The latter implies a more conclusive discovery.

Cultural Context

These advanced Korean grammar patterns are highly prevalent in formal discourse, including news reports, academic papers, business presentations, and policy discussions. Mastering them signals a high level of linguistic proficiency and an understanding of how Koreans convey information objectively and authoritatively. While they might feel a bit stiff for everyday casual chat, their use is crucial for sounding credible and well-informed in more serious contexts. Native speakers employ these naturally to lend weight and professionalism to their observations and analyses, making them indispensable for anyone aiming for B2 Korean fluency and beyond.

Key Examples (8)

1

Yojeum saramdeureun nyuseureul yutyubeuro boneun gyeonghyangi isseoyo.

These days, people tend to watch the news on YouTube.

Describing Tendencies: -는 경향이 있다 (Tends to...)
2

Jeoneun seuteureseureul badeumyeon maeun eumsigeul meongneun gyeonghyangi isseoyo.

I tend to eat spicy food when I get stressed.

Describing Tendencies: -는 경향이 있다 (Tends to...)
3

최근 물가가 크게 오른 것으로 보입니다.

It appears that prices have risen significantly recently.

Formal Inference: 'It Appears That' (-ㄴ/은/는 것으로 보인다)
4

이 사진은 1990년대에 찍힌 것으로 보인다.

This photo appears to have been taken in the 1990s.

Formal Inference: 'It Appears That' (-ㄴ/은/는 것으로 보인다)
5

이 수치는 경제가 회복되고 있는 것을 시사한다.

These figures suggest that the economy is recovering.

Suggesting Academic Implications (-ㄴ/은/는 것을 시사한다)
6

실험 결과는 이 가설이 틀렸음을 시사한다.

The experimental results suggest that this hypothesis was wrong.

Suggesting Academic Implications (-ㄴ/은/는 것을 시사한다)
7

Recently, the number of single-person households is showing a pattern of rapid increase.

Recently, the number of single-person households is showing a pattern of rapid increase.

Showing a Pattern: Reporting Trends (-ㄴ/은/는 양상을 보이다)
8

As prices show a continuous rising pattern, the concerns of ordinary people are growing.

As prices show a continuous rising pattern, the concerns of ordinary people are growing.

Showing a Pattern: Reporting Trends (-ㄴ/은/는 양상을 보이다)

Tips & Tricks (4)

💡

Use for observations

Only use this when you have observed a pattern over time.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Describing Tendencies: -는 경향이 있다 (Tends to...)
💡

Use for Objectivity

When you want to sound professional, use this instead of 'I think'.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Formal Inference: 'It Appears That' (-ㄴ/은/는 것으로 보인다)
💡

Focus on Evidence

Only use this when you have evidence. If you are just guessing, use '~것 같다'.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Suggesting Academic Implications (-ㄴ/은/는 것을 시사한다)
💡

Use for Trends

Only use this for ongoing trends, not one-time events.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Showing a Pattern: Reporting Trends (-ㄴ/은/는 양상을 보이다)

Key Vocabulary (6)

경향 (gyeonghyang) tendency 시사하다 (sisahada) to suggest/imply 양상 (yangsang) aspect/pattern 나타나다 (natanada) to appear/emerge 평가하다 (pyeonggahada) to evaluate 조사 (josa) research/survey

Real-World Preview

briefcase

Analyzing Market Trends

Review Summary

  • Verb + 는 경향이 있다
  • Verb + 는 것으로 보인다
  • Verb + 는 것을 시사한다
  • Verb + 는 양상을 보이다
  • Verb + 는 것으로 나타났다
  • Verb + 는 것으로 평가된다

Common Mistakes

Tendencies describe ongoing states, so always use the present tense stem.

Wrong: 사람들은 가는 경향이 있다 (People tend to go - using past tense stem)
Correct: 사람들은 가는 경향이 있다 (Use present tense stem for tendency)

You must attach the noun-modifying form (는/은/ㄴ) to the preceding predicate.

Wrong: 결과가 좋다 것으로 나타났다
Correct: 결과가 좋은 것으로 나타났다

Korean is an SOV language; the verb comes at the end.

Wrong: 그것은 시사한다 결과를
Correct: 그것은 결과를 시사한다

Rules in This Chapter (6)

1

Describing Tendencies: -는 경향이 있다 (Tends to...)

B2
Use -ㄴ/은/는 경향이 있다 to describe general trends, inclinations, or habits in a slightly analytical way.
Yojeum saramdeureun nyuseureul yutyubeuro boneun g...
10 examples
2

Formal Inference: 'It Appears That' (-ㄴ/은/는 것으로 보인다)

B2
Use this pattern to sound objective and professional when making evidence-based observations in formal Korean contexts.
최근 물가가 크게 오른 것으로 보입니다.
10 examples
3

Suggesting Academic Implications (-ㄴ/은/는 것을 시사한다)

B2
Use -ㄴ/은/는 것을 시사한다 to professionally suggest an implication based on observed facts or data.
이 수치는 경제가 회복되고 있는 것을 시사한다.
10 examples
4

Showing a Pattern: Reporting Trends (-ㄴ/은/는 양상을 보이다)

B2
Use this pattern to describe social trends or data changes with an objective, professional, and analytical tone.
Recently, the number of single-person households i...
10 examples
5

Reporting Facts: 'It Was Found That' (-ㄴ/은/는 것으로 나타났다)

B2
Use -ㄴ/은/는 것으로 나타났다 to professionally report objective facts and data findings in formal contexts.
It was found that coffee consumption is increasing...
8 examples
6

Formal Evaluation: 'Is Evaluated As' (-ㄴ/은/는 것으로 평가된다)

B2
Use this pattern to present professional, data-backed judgments objectively in formal Korean writing and speaking.
이번 신제품은 디자인이 매우 혁신적인 것으로 평가된...
10 examples

Next Steps

You've crushed this chapter! Keep observing the world around you and describing it in Korean. You are doing amazing!

Read a news article in Korean and highlight these patterns.

Continue to: Business and Legal Formalities

Quick Practice (10)

Choose the correct form.

그것은 ___을 시사한다.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: c
Must use the noun-modifying form.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Suggesting Academic Implications (-ㄴ/은/는 것을 시사한다)

Choose the correct sentence.

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 데이터가 증가하는 것으로 나타났다.
Used for data.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Reporting Facts: 'It Was Found That' (-ㄴ/은/는 것으로 나타났다)

Choose the correct form.

그는 바쁜 ___ 보입니다.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 것으로
The structure is -것으로 보인다.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Formal Inference: 'It Appears That' (-ㄴ/은/는 것으로 보인다)

Fill in the blank.

갈등이 ___ 양상을 보입니다.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Needs modifier.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Showing a Pattern: Reporting Trends (-ㄴ/은/는 양상을 보이다)

Choose the correct sentence.

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 그는 늦는 경향이 있다
Correct structure.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Describing Tendencies: -는 경향이 있다 (Tends to...)

Correct the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

그것은 좋다를 시사한다.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Adjective must be nominalized.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Suggesting Academic Implications (-ㄴ/은/는 것을 시사한다)

Fill in the blank.

비가 ___ 것으로 보입니다.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 올
Future tense requires -을.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Formal Inference: 'It Appears That' (-ㄴ/은/는 것으로 보인다)

Correct the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

나는 배가 고픈 것으로 나타났다.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 나는 배가 고프다.
Personal feeling.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Reporting Facts: 'It Was Found That' (-ㄴ/은/는 것으로 나타났다)

Fill in the blank.

데이터는 변화를 ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Formal writing requires the plain form.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Suggesting Academic Implications (-ㄴ/은/는 것을 시사한다)

Fix the error.

Find and fix the mistake:

인구가 감소 양상을 보이다.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Needs modifier.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Showing a Pattern: Reporting Trends (-ㄴ/은/는 양상을 보이다)

Score: /10

Common Questions (6)

Yes, but it's less common. Use '예쁜 경향이 있다'.
It can be both formal and informal.
It is better to avoid it. Use '-것 같아' instead.
Yes, it is inherently a formal structure.
No, it is too formal. Use '~것 같아' instead.
Yes, '시사한다' is standard even if the evidence is past.
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Business and Legal Formalities
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