V-는 통에 grammar = due to, because ~express the cause of a complex and distressing situation

V-는 통에 grammar

What is -는 통에 grammar?

The -는 통에 grammar is used to express the cause or reason behind a complex, distressing, or inconvenient situation, often leading to negative results. It's similar to saying:

“Because of…”
“Due to…”
“As a result of…”

V-는 통에 (due to) is different to N-을/를 통해 (through, by way of)

It has similar usage as -는 바람에 or -는 탓에 grammars which express the cause of negative results. However, it has subtle nuances that make it unique—especially its use for chaotic or troublesome circumstances.

How to Conjugate -는 통에

This pattern is used only with action verbs, not adjectives or most nouns.

Verb Type	Conjugation	Example
Action Verbs	Verb stem + -는 통에	먹다 → 먹는 통에
하다 Verbs	하다 → 하는 통에	공사하다 → 공사하는 통에
Special Nouns	Noun + 통에	전쟁 통에, 장마 통에

Important Notes:

1. Cannot be used with:

Imperative forms (마세요, 맙시다)
Positive results (건강해지다, 성공하다)

2. Works directly with certain nouns:

전쟁 통에 (due to war)
장마 통에 (due to rainy season)
난리 통에 (due to chaos)

When and How to Use -는 통에

1. A chaotic situation causes trouble or inconvenience.

아이들이 떠드는 통에 집중할 수 없어요.

(I can't focus because the kids are noisy.)

공사를 하는 통에 집중이 안 됐어요.

(I couldn’t concentrate due to the construction.)

2. An unexpected situation causes trouble or inconvenience.

버스를 잘못 타는 통에 반대 방향으로 갔어요.

(I went the wrong way due to taking the incorrect bus.)

비가 갑자기 오는 통에 옷이 다 젖었어요.

(My clothes got soaked because it suddenly rained.)

3. A distressing event causes negative results.

폭우가 내리는 통에 행사가 취소됐어요.

(The event was canceled because of the heavy rain.)

전쟁 통에 가족을 잃었어요.

(I lost my family due to the war.)

Differences from Similar Grammar Patterns

Grammar	Usage Focus	Notes
-는 통에	Emphasizes chaotic, complex causes	Focuses on messy, complex circumstances
-는 바람에	Sudden, unintentional causes (external)	Can sometimes have unexpected good outcomes
-는 탓에	Assigns blame or responsibility	More objective, stronger emphasis on fault/responsibility
-느라고	Personal effort → Negative result	Implies the speaker's actions caused the problem
-아서/어서	Neutral cause-effect	Not limited to negative consequences

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Using for positive results
Incorrect: 운동하는 통에 건강해졌어요 (X)
Correct: 운동해서 건강해졌어요 (O)
❌ With imperatives/propositives
Incorrect: 떠드는 통에 조용히 하세요 (X)
Correct: 떠드는 통에 공부를 못 했어요 (O)
❌ Confusing with -를 통해 (through, by way of)
Incorrect: 인터넷는 통에 정보를 찾았어요 (X)
Correct: 인터넷을 통해 정보를 찾았어요 (O)

Example Sentences with -는 통에 in Use

1. 옆집에서 공사하는 통에 공부를 못 했어요.

(I couldn't study because of the construction next door.)

2. 아이들이 싸우는 통에 정신이 하나도 없어요.

(I’m overwhelmed because the kids are always fighting.)

3. 서두르는 통에 열쇠를 두고 왔어요.

(I left my keys at home because I was in a rush.)

4. 룸메이트가 떠드는 통에 잠을 못 잤어요.

(I couldn’t sleep because my roommate was making noise.)

5. 환율이 오르는 통에 여행을 취소했어요.

(I canceled the trip because the exchange rate went up.)

6. 전화가 많이 오는 통에 일에 집중 못 했어요.

(I couldn't concentrate at work due to constant calls.)

7. 아이가 우는 통에 전화를 못 받았어요.

(I couldn’t hear the phone because the baby was crying.)

8. 개가 짖는 통에 아이가 울었어요.

(The dog barking made the child cry.)

9. 장마 통에 집이 침수됐어요.

(The house flooded due to the rainy season.)

10. 난리 통에 지갑을 잃어버렸어요.

(I lost my wallet in the chaos.)

Practice Sentences

Try translating these into Korean using -는 통헤:

1. "The road was blocked due to heavy rain."

2. "Due to the kids yelling, I couldn't study."

3. "I left my bag at home because I was rushing."

Answers:

1. 비가 많이 오는 통에 길이 막혔어요.

2. 아이들이 소리 지르는 통에 공부를 못 했어요.

3. 서두르는 통에 가방을 집에 두고 왔어요.

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