This means something is decided. It is a rule. Or it is a plan that is already set.
Verb [dictionary form] + ことになっているPrimary
Verb [ない-form] + ことになっている
This means something is decided. It is a rule. Or it is a plan that is already set.
この会社では、４月に入社式を行うことになっています。
At this company, it is the practice to hold the entrance ceremony in April.
本当は彼とデートすることになっていたのに、急に仕事が入ってしまった。
I was supposed to go on a date with him, but I suddenly had to work.
この公園では、夜１０時以降は花火をしてはいけないことになっています。
In this park, it is a rule that you are not allowed to do fireworks after 10 PM.
明日から始まることになっているセールについて、いくつか質問があります。
I have a few questions about the sale that is scheduled to start tomorrow.
今度の週末、みんなで集まることになってるんだ。君も来ない？
We're all supposed to get together this weekend. Won't you come too?
This grammar shows something is a rule. Or it is a plan. It is not your personal choice. It is like saying 'it is decided' or 'it is the custom'.
This is different from '〜ことにする' and '〜ことにしている'. Those are about your own choices. '〜ことにする' means you decided something. '〜ことにしている' means you do something regularly. '〜ことになっている' is about rules or plans set by others. It is not your personal choice.
Use this when you want to say something is a rule. Use it when something is already decided. It shows the situation is set. It is not your personal choice. You can use it to politely refuse. You can explain why something is not possible.
Contrasts with(1)
More formal alternatives(1)
Less formal alternatives(1)
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