This pattern indicates what inspired/stimulated an action.

- used with action verbs
- is interchangeable with -는 바람에 with no difference in meaning
- normally used with the final verb (i.e. the final/independent/main clause verb) being in the present or past tense. It seems awkward if used with a future tense verb.


Examples:
하사가 라라는 통에, 갔어요./Because the sergeant told me to go, I went.
친구가 자꾸 찾아오는 통에, 아무것도 하겠어요./Because my friend keeps visiting me, I can't get anything done.

-통에 can attach to nouns to mean "under the influence of/due to" and carries a negative connotation.
전쟁 통에 사람들이 많이 죽었어요./Many people died due to the war (because of the ravages/negative effects of the war).