JLPT N2 grammar
〜に沿って — Meaning & Examples
In line with — the shape you follow: a policy, plan or wishes. ご希望に沿って. Also literal: 川に沿って歩く.
〜に基づいて and 〜に沿って
〜に基づいて = "based on / on the basis of." The foundation something rests on — data, law, evidence, a principle.
Formation: noun + に基づいて (noun-modifying: に基づく / に基づいた)
この映画は実話に基づいて作られました。
= This film was made based on a true story.
アンケートの結果に基づいて、商品を改良します。
= Based on the survey results, we will improve the product.
事実に基づく報道が求められている。
= Reporting based on fact is what's called for.
---
〜に沿って = "in line with / along." Following the shape of something — a policy, a plan, expectations, or literally a river or road.
ご希望に沿って、プランを変更いたしました。
= We have changed the plan in line with your wishes.
方針に沿って進めてください。
= Please proceed in accordance with the policy.
川に沿って歩いた。
= I walked along the river. (literal use)
The distinction:
に基づいて = X is the evidence or foundation 🧱
に沿って = X is the shape you follow 〰️
A decision is 基づいて data; a plan proceeds 沿って policy.
Practice questions
Try these 2 questions on 〜に沿って. Pick an answer in your head, then open “Show answer”.
1. この映画は実話＿＿作られた。Which fits?
- 次第で (shidai de)
- に沿って (ni sotte)
- をめぐって (o megutte)
- に基づいて (ni motozuite)
Show answer
Answer: に基づいて (ni motozuite)
〜に基づいて = based on — the evidence or foundation. 実話に基づいて = based on a true story.
2. ご希望＿＿、プランを変更しました。Which fits?
- に基づいて
- をめぐって
- に沿って
- において
Show answer
Answer: に沿って
〜に沿って = in line with — following the shape of wishes, a policy or a plan. ご希望に沿って is standard business Japanese.
Practise 〜に沿って in the free app
This point is part of the “📋 Basis & Means — 次第・に基づいて・を通じて・をめぐって” lesson in A Star Japanese. Study it with examples, a quiz, flashcards and timed JLPT N2 mock exams. Free on iPhone and Android.
Free on iPhone and Android · No ads
Related N2 grammar points
From the same lesson: 📋 Basis & Means — 次第・に基づいて・を通じて・をめぐって
Frequently asked questions
What does 〜に沿って mean?
In line with — the shape you follow: a policy, plan or wishes. ご希望に沿って. Also literal: 川に沿って歩く.
Is 〜に沿って on the JLPT N2 test?
〜に沿って is taught in the JLPT N2 grammar course in A Star Japanese (lesson “📋 Basis & Means — 次第・に基づいて・を通じて・をめぐって”), so it is a pattern learners at this level are expected to recognise. The JLPT does not publish an official grammar list, so treat this as a study guide rather than an official requirement.
How can I practise 〜に沿って?
Open the “📋 Basis & Means — 次第・に基づいて・を通じて・をめぐって” lesson in the free A Star Japanese app for iPhone and Android. It has examples, a quiz after every lesson, flashcards with spaced repetition and timed JLPT N2 mock exams, with no ads.