Formal Written Endings: -(으)며, -(으)ㄴ 바

At the expert level, we move beyond everyday conversational speech to formal written style. In reports, papers, and official documents, endings such as '-(으)며' (instead of '-고') and '-(으)ㄴ 바' (instead of '-는데') are preferred. This lesson covers the most representative written-style connective endings.

1. Listing and Simultaneity: -(으)며 (and / while)

'-(으)며' lists two facts on equal footing or indicates that two actions occur at the same time. It corresponds to the spoken '-고' but is far more formal. Use '-으며' after a final consonant and '-며' when there is none.

본 보고서는 현황을 분석하며 개선 방안을 제시한다.

bon bogoseoneun hyeonhwang-eul bunseokhamyeo gaeseon bangan-eul jesihanda.

This report analyzes the current situation and presents improvement measures.

그는 회사를 경영하며 대학에서 강의도 한다.

geuneun hoesa-reul gyeongyeonghamyeo daehag-eseo gang-ui-do handa.

He runs a company while also lecturing at a university.

본 제품은 가볍고 견고하며 가격도 합리적이다.

bon jepum-eun gabyeopgo gyeongohamyeo gagyeokdo hamnijeok-ida.

This product is light and sturdy, and its price is reasonable.

위원회는 안건을 심의하며 표결에 부쳤다.

wiwonhoe-neun angeon-eul simuihamyeo pyogyeol-e buchyeotda.

The committee deliberated the agenda and put it to a vote.

2. Grounds and Reference: -(으)ㄴ 바 (as / the fact that)

'바' is a dependent noun meaning 'the content or fact stated above.' '-(으)ㄴ 바' is used to carry on a sentence by treating something already said as its basis, and it is a highly formal expression. It frequently appears after the past tense of a verb.

이미 말씀드린 바와 같이 일정은 변경되었습니다.

imi malsseumdeurin bawa gachi iljeong-eun byeongyeongdoeeotseumnida.

As I have already mentioned, the schedule has been changed.

검토한 바, 해당 조항에는 문제가 없습니다.

geomtohan ba, haedang johang-eneun munje-ga eopseumnida.

Upon review, there is no problem with the clause in question.

앞서 보고드린 바, 매출은 목표를 초과 달성했습니다.

apseo bogodeurin ba, maechul-eun mokpyo-reul chogwa dalseonghaetseumnida.

As reported earlier, sales have exceeded the target.

3. Reason: -(으)므로 (because / therefore)

'-(으)므로' is the formal written counterpart of the spoken '-니까.' It is used in official documents, court rulings, and academic papers to describe cause and effect objectively.

예산이 부족하므로 사업을 잠정 보류한다.

yesan-i bujokhameuro saeob-eul jamjeong boryuhanda.

Since the budget is insufficient, the project is provisionally suspended.

Spoken	Written	Meaning
-고	-(으)며	listing (and)
-는데	-(으)ㄴ 바	background/grounds (as/given)
-니까	-(으)므로	reason (because)
-아서/어서	-(으)ㄴ 결과	result (as a result)

4. Formal Citation: -(으)ㄴ 바 있다 / 없다

정부는 이에 대해 입장을 밝힌 바 없다.

jeongbuneun ie daehae ipjang-eul balghin ba eopda.

The government has not stated its position on this matter.

본 사안은 이미 논의된 바 있다.

bon saan-eun imi nonuidoen ba itda.

This matter has already been discussed before.

'-(으)ㄴ 바 있다/없다' formally states the presence or absence of such an experience or precedent, and it appears frequently in news reports and official announcements.

💡 Tip: '-(으)며' and '-(으)ㄴ 바' raise the level of formality in presentations, editorials, and official documents, but they sound awkward in conversations with friends or in messaging. Judge the register of the situation first.

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