Search pages and navigate
In order to / With the intention of
Definition
The grammar pattern "動詞辞書形+べく(「する」は「すべく」または「するべく」)" is used to express a purpose or intention in a formal written language. It implies that the subject is taking action with a strong, conscious goal. The subject of both clauses must be the same, indicating a clear connection between the action and the intention. This pattern is often used in formal or official contexts to convey a sense of determination or resolve.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| V-Base Form | 動詞辞書形+べく | 行くべく |
| V-Base Form (with す) | するべく | するべく |
| V-Base Form (with す) | すべく | すべく |
Examples
彼はさらなる高みを目指す______、単身渡米を決意した。
Kare wa saranaru takami o mezasu ____、tanshin tobei o ketsui shita.
He aimed to reach higher heights ____ and decided to go to the US alone.
彼はさらなる高みを目指す ____ (He aims to reach higher heights ____), 単身渡米を決意した (and decided to go to the US alone)
環境問題を解決______、新しいリサイクル技術を開発した。
Kankyo mondai o kaiketsu ____、atarashii risaikuru gijutsu o kaihatsu shita.
He solved the environmental problem ____ and developed a new recycling technology.
環境問題を解決 ____ (He solved the environmental problem ____), 新しいリサイクル技術を開発した (and developed a new recycling technology)
恩師の期待に沿う______、日夜研究に励んでいる。
Onshi no kitai ni aoyu ____、nichiyo kenkyuu ni tsuyoku shite iru.
He is diligently researching ____ to meet his teacher's expectations.
恩師の期待に沿う ____ (He is diligently researching ____), 日夜研究に励んでいる (to meet his teacher's expectations)
Context
This pattern is typically used in formal written language to express a strong intention or purpose. It is often used in official documents, speeches, and other formal contexts. Be careful not to confuse it with other patterns such as "べからず" (must not) or "べき" (should).
Watch out
The past tense in the final clause would imply that the action has already been completed, which is not the intended meaning of the pattern.
The two patterns have different meanings and are used in different contexts.
The two patterns have different meanings and are used in different contexts.
Strategy
When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, make sure to use the correct verb form and tense in the final clause. Also, pay attention to the context and make sure the subject of both clauses is the same.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N1 test-style questions. Each sentence shows 動詞辞書形+べく(「する」は「すべく」または「するべく」) used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
彼はさらなる高みを目指すべく、単身渡米を決意した。
Pattern used: べく
'Beku' expresses the purpose 'in order to achieve a higher goal' in a formal context.
環境問題を解決すべく、新しいリサイクル技術を開発した。
Pattern used: すべく
'Subeku' is the formal way to express purpose for 'suru' verbs in professional contexts.
恩師の期待に沿うべく、日夜研究に励んでいる。
Pattern used: べく
'Beku' is used here to show the intent of meeting the teacher's expectations.
Interactive
彼はさらなる高みを目指す______、単身渡米を決意した。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.