〜に沿って②（にそって）

About

(Noun)に沿そって is a combination of a noun, the に particle, and the verb 沿そう "to follow; to run alongside".

～に沿そって can be split into two main usages:

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  Usage ①: "So as not to stray from; to follow X; along X", where X is generally something that can be seen with the eye, e.g., "along the yellow line"

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  Usage ②: "In accordance with; based on X", where X is generally something that cannot be seen with the eye, such as a rule or a guideline.

This entry concerns usage ②.

E.g. 実習じっしゅうは、このスケジュールに沿そって進すすめて行いく予定よていだ。 "The plan is to conduct practice in accordance with this schedule."

E.g. お客きゃくさんの希望きぼうに沿そって、プランを提案ていあんしてくれる。 "(They) suggest a plan in accordance with the customer's desires."

E.g. ご期待きたいに沿そえず、申もうし訳わけございません。 "We apologize that we did not meet your expectations."

〜に沿そって can be used in casual, polite, and formal scenarios. In formal contexts, 〜に沿そい is more common than に沿そって.

Summary

• 

  ～に沿そって can be split into two main usages: ①: "So as not to stray from; to follow X; along X", where X is generally something that can be seen with the eye, e.g., "along the yellow line", ②: "In accordance with; based on X", where X is generally something that cannot be seen with the eye, such as a rule or a guideline

• 

  〜に沿そって can be used in casual, polite, and formal scenarios