Pattern: -(으)ㄹ 따름이다
-(으)ㄹ 따름이다 (-(eu)ㄹtta-reum-i-da, (eu)ㄹttareumida)
-(으)ㄹ 따름이다 expresses one's humble position or situation.
When and how native speakers actually use it.
Indicates that one can only do something or that the situation cannot be helped.
When to use
humble expression, acknowledging limits, making excuses
The nuance
Attach '-(으)ㄹ 따름이다' to a verb stem to humbly express that one can only do something or that the situation cannot be helped. It is mainly used for present or future situations.
제가 할 수 있는 것은 그것뿐일 따름입니다.
je-ga hal su iss-neun geos-eun geu-geos-ppun-il tta-reum-ip-ni-da., je ga hal su iss neun geos eun geu geos ppun il tta reum ip ni da.
Correct sentence expressing one's limitation humbly.
그 문제에 대해선 제가 모를 따름입니다.
geu mun-je-e dae-hae-seon je-ga mo-reul tta-reum-ip-ni-da., geu mun je e dae hae seon je ga mo reul tta reum ip ni da.
'모를 따름입니다' is unnatural; '모를 뿐입니다' is correct.
저는 그 일에 관여하지 않을 따름입니다.
jeo-neun geu il-e gwan-yeo-ha-ji an-eul tta-reum-ip-ni-da., jeo neun geu il e gwan yeo ha ji an eul tta reum ip ni da.
Natural sentence humbly expressing one's position.
그날은 바빠서 못 갈 따름이다.
geu-nal-eun ba-ppa-seo mos gal tta-reum-i-da., geu nal eun ba ppa seo mos gal tta reum i da.
Correct sentence humbly explaining personal circumstances.
그는 잘못한 따름이다.
geu-neun jal-mos-han tta-reum-i-da., geu neun jal mos han tta reum i da.
'잘못한 따름이다' is awkward; '잘못했을 따름이다' is correct.
Which sentence correctly uses '-(으)ㄹ 따름이다'?
What is the best meaning of '-(으)ㄹ 따름이다'?
Which sentence cannot use '-(으)ㄹ 따름이다'?
