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Expressing conditions, prerequisites, and hypothetical scenarios
What each pattern means, when to use it, and the mistakes that cost marks in the exam.
A formal and literary way to say 'without doing [verb]'. It is used to describe a situation where one thing doesn't happen unless another thing happens first, or to describe an action performed without a certain accompanying state.
Common mistakes
Used to express that while a high ideal or perfect state may not be reachable, at least a certain lower but acceptable level should be achieved. It indicates a compromise or a realistic goal.
Common mistakes
Expresses that without a certain essential element, something else is impossible. It is usually followed by a negative or impossible state. This is a highly formal and literary expression.
Common mistakes
Indicates that an action is performed or a state exists without something that is usually expected or required. It often follows 'permission', 'notice', or 'warning'. In the form '～なしには...ない', it indicates an indispensable condition.
Common mistakes
Expresses that even if an action is taken, the result will be useless, ineffective, or unchanged. It is followed by a negative judgment or an expression indicating a lack of meaning/effect.
Common mistakes
Used to express that because of a special condition or situation, one is prepared to do anything or something unusual will happen. It is a formal expression often used when showing strong resolve or describing an inevitable reaction to a situation.
Common mistakes
Similar to ～たところで, but often used from the standpoint of a person or a hypothetical situation. It suggests that even if one takes a certain perspective or makes a certain assumption, the result is still negative or limited.
Common mistakes
Adaptive practice
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