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Should (used for giving direct advice)
Definition
The grammar pattern 'V-dictionary / V-nai + ことだ' is used to give strong advice or suggestions, essentially saying 'the best thing to do is...'. It is directed at a specific person and implies that the action is necessary for a particular outcome. This pattern is often used in situations where the speaker wants to emphasize the importance of a particular action or behavior. The use of 'ことだ' at the end of the sentence gives a sense of finality and emphasizes the speaker's opinion.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary form (V-dictionary) | V-dictionary + にすることだ | 上手になることだ |
| Nai form (V-nai) | V-nai + ことだ | 練習することだ |
| Potential form (V-possible) | V-possible + ことだ | 合格することだ |
Examples
ピアノが上手になりたければ、毎日練習することだ。
Piano ga jōzu ni naritakereba, mainichi renshū suru koto da.
If you want to become good at the piano, you should practice every day.
ピアノが上手になりたければ (If you want to become good at the piano) + 毎日練習することだ (you should practice every day)
健康のためには、あまり無理をしないことだ。
Kenkō no tame ni wa, amari muri o shinai koto da.
For your health, you should not overexert yourself.
健康のためには (For your health) + あまり無理をしないことだ (you should not overexert yourself)
合格したいなら、もっと必死に勉強することだ。
Gōkaku shita i nara, motto hisshi ni benkyō suru koto da.
If you want to pass, you should study even harder.
合格したいなら (If you want to pass) + もっと必死に勉強することだ (you should study even harder)
Context
This pattern is used to give strong advice or suggestions, and is often used in situations where the speaker wants to emphasize the importance of a particular action or behavior. It is typically used in formal or polite situations, and is not suitable for everyday conversations. The use of 'ことだ' at the end of the sentence gives a sense of finality and emphasizes the speaker's opinion.
Watch out
The past tense is not suitable for this pattern, as it implies a completed action. Instead, use the past tense with ～べきだ to express regret or disappointment.
～ものだ and ～ことだ are two different patterns with different meanings and uses. Make sure to use the correct pattern in the correct context.
～べきだ and ～ことだ are two different patterns with different meanings and uses. Make sure to use the correct pattern in the correct context.
Strategy
Pay attention to the use of 'ことだ' at the end of the sentence, as it gives a sense of finality and emphasizes the speaker's opinion. Make sure to use the correct pattern in the correct context, and avoid confusing it with other similar patterns.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N2 test-style questions. Each sentence shows V-dictionary / V-nai + ことだ used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
ピアノが上手になりたければ、毎日練習することだ。
Pattern used: ことだ
Provides direct advice on the best way to improve at piano.
健康のためには、あまり無理をしないことだ。
Pattern used: ことだ
Advice in the negative form: the best thing is to not overwork.
合格したいなら、もっと必死に勉強することだ。
Pattern used: ことだ
Direct, slightly authoritative advice for achieving a specific goal.
Interactive
ピアノが上手になりたければ、毎日練習する______。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.