turning point (formal)
policies / company shifts
Open details
Form: N + を契機 に ／ N + を契機 として
Use: Start or change B taking A as a turning point; formal/written tone. More formal than 〜をきっかけに.
Mini examples
with A as support/guide
maps, lights, referrals
Open details
Form: N + を頼り に ／ N + を頼り として
Use: Do B using A as a clue, guide, or support (object, info, or connection).
Mini examples
in response to A
requests / expectations / voices
Open details
Form: N + に応 えて
Use: Do B in response to A such as requests, expectations, or public voices.
Mini examples
Note: 〜に応じて means “according to / in proportion to” and is a different pattern.
just because A, (bad) B
regret / complaint
Open details
Form: plain form (for N & na-adj use である) + ばかりに
Use: A alone causes an unwanted or unfair outcome B; tone of regret/complaint.
Mini examples
Avoid: Rare with positive results.
1) 〜を契機に・〜を契機として — take A as a turning point
Used in formal/written contexts; more formal than 〜をきっかけに.
Form: N + を契機 に ／ N + を契機 として
Marriage became the turning point and life stabilized.
The accident prompted a revision of safety standards.
2) 〜を頼りに・〜を頼りとして — use A as support/guide
Use A as a clue or support to achieve B; works with things, information, or people.
Form: N + を頼り に ／ N + を頼り として
We descended the mountain path by starlight.
We shaped the plan with a senior’s advice as our guide.
3) 〜に応えて — in response to
Do B to answer A (requests, expectations, public voices, etc.).
Form: N + に応 えて
We extended the service in response to many requests.
The player lived up to expectations.
Note: 〜に応じて = “according to / depending on,” a different grammar.
4) 〜ばかりに — just because A, (unwanted) B
A alone causes B (often unfair/accidental); typically negative outcome.
Form: plain form (N/na → である) + ばかりに
Just because I took one wrong turn, I missed the flight.
Simply because I’m new, they won’t let me handle tasks.
Avoid: Uncommon with positive results.
Quick contrasts & pitfalls
- 〜を契機に is formal/written. In daily talk, prefer 〜をきっかけに.
- 〜を頼りに = use a guide/support (map, advice). It’s not heavy dependence like 依存.
- 〜に応えて = “in response to”; don’t confuse with 〜に応じて (“according to”).
- 〜ばかりに usually leads to an unwanted outcome; keep the regret/complaint tone.
