This expression indicates the doing of the following action in the same manner as, or in accordance with, the preceding action.

In these cases, it is used together with verbs.

It can also be used with nouns to mean "just as" or "in accordance with" the preceding noun.

Details

1. This expression is normally used together with verbs and nouns. But can be combined with the adjectives 편하다, 좋다 and -고 싶다.

하고 싶은 대로 모든 일을 다 할 수 있으면 좋겠어요.

I wish I could do anything I want.

내일은 편한 대로 옷을 입어도 돼요.

Tomorrow you can wear anything you want.

좋은 대로 결정하세요.

Decide whatever you want.

2. Negative expressions cannot come before -(으)ㄴ/는대로.

저는 친구가 하지 않는 대로 했어요. ✕

동생은 돈을 안 버는 대로 안 써요. ✕

3. This expression is also used to indicate that the following action occurs or is done immediately upon the occurrence of the preceding action.

프랑스에서 돌아오는 대로 연락드리겠습니다.

I will contact you as soon as I return from France.

뉴욕에 도착하는 대로 이메일을 보내 주시기 바랍니다.

Please send an email upon your arrival in New York.

미안하지만 그 일을 끝내는 대로 저 좀 도와주세요.

I'm sorry (to bother you), but please lend me a hand once you finish doing that.

When added to the end of a noun, it indicates that something is "as" or "in accordance with" the noun.

Details

Usage with verbs

When used with verbs, it appears as V+은/는 대로.

Sometimes can be translated to "as soon as"

메시지를 받는 대로, 답장해 주세요.

Please reply as soon as you receive the message.

밥을 먹은 대로 설거지를 해 주세요.

Please do the dishes as soon as you've finished eating.

-(으)ㄴ/는 대로