As the Rules Change, So Do the Forms にしたがって・に応じて・に伴って・つつある

These formal patterns describe developments and how something changes in response. にしたがって links two changes or says something proceeds in line with a standard; に応じて means “according to / in response to”; に伴って marks a related change occurring alongside another; つつある describes a transition currently underway.

With one change leading alongside another, にしたがって is close to the N3 につれて, but sounds more formal and can also mean “in accordance with” a rule or plan. It is common in reports about gradual trends.

に応じて focuses on adapting an action or response to a need, condition, or level: 要望に応じて, “in response to a request”; 能力に応じて, “according to ability.”

に伴って describes a related development that comes along with a change or event. It is common in announcements and formal explanations.

Verb stem + つつある presents a change as actively in progress. It is more formal and report-like than ～ているところだ, and commonly describes broad social or institutional developments.

Vocabulary