Meaning
1) Reports what was heard or read, like 〜そうです but more formal. 2) Explains a meaning: つまり〜ということです (in other words …).
Formation
- Plain form + ということです: 来ないということです
- Nouns and な-adjectives usually take だ: 来月だということです
- Explaining meaning: X は〜ということです, often with つまり
When to use it
- Core use
- It is said that … / That means …
Example
天気予報によると明日は雪が降るということです
According to the weather forecast, it will snow tomorrow.
Important notes
- Pay attention to the word form before the construction and to the particles around it.
Common mistakes
- Do not translate the pattern word for word; first identify its function in the whole situation.