N2 Grammar: Time & Sequence

Common mistakes

• Using it for positive results (use 'sue ni' instead)
• Using the dictionary form instead of the ta-form
• Using it for actions that didn't take much time or effort

Common mistakes

• Using it for the speaker's own intentional actions
• Confusing it with 'to omou' (I think)
• Using it for a slow, gradual change

Common mistakes

• Mixing the dictionary form and ta-form incorrectly
• Using the wrong negative form (e.g., using -masen instead of -nai)
• Using it for events that have a clear time gap

Common mistakes

• Using with the past tense (it must be dictionary form)
• Confusing with 'nari... nari' (A or B)
• Confusing with 'totan ni' (which can have different subjects)

Common mistakes

• Using 'ni atatte' for negative events like funerals or accidents
• Confusing it with 'ni shite wa' which means 'for a...'
• Using past tense before the pattern (must be dictionary form or noun)

Common mistakes

• Using it for trivial daily actions like 'brushing teeth'
• Mixing up the particle 'ni' with 'wa' in incorrect contexts
• Using the wrong verb form (e.g., using -masu stem instead of dictionary form)

Common mistakes

• Using it with state verbs that don't imply progression (e.g., 'iru', 'aru')
• Forgetting the 'no' when using it with nouns
• Using it for very short actions like 'blinking'

Common mistakes

• Using it for past events (use 'ta totan' instead)
• Using it for natural phenomena (e.g., 'As soon as it rains...')
• Using the dictionary form instead of the masu-stem

Common mistakes

• Confusing with 'ya ina ya' (immediate action, but not necessarily repeated)
• Confusing with 'ta totan' (surprising result)
• Using for positive, non-repetitive events

Common mistakes

• Using it for short, simple actions
• Confusing with 'ageku', which is mostly for negative results
• Forgetting the 'no' for nouns

Common mistakes

• Confusing with 'ta bakari' (just finished doing)
• Confusing with 'ta koto ga aru' (experience)
• Misinterpreting as 'at that moment' (toki)

Common mistakes

• Using a volitional verb in the second clause (e.g., 'As soon as I got home, I will sleep')
• Using dictionary form instead of past tense (ta-form) before 'totan'
• Confusing it with 'shidai', which is used for future plans

Common mistakes

• Confusing with 'te kara' (after doing)
• Misplacing 'hajimete' (e.g., hajimete V-te)
• Incorrectly using with 'ta bakari'

Common mistakes

• Confusing with 'aida ni', which just means 'during' without the 'before it changes' nuance
• Using specific time durations like '3 hours' (cannot use '3 jikan no uchi ni')
• Using the wrong noun-adjective connectors (e.g., forgetting 'na' for na-adj)

Common mistakes

• Confusing V-ta (sequence) with V-dictionary (context/purpose)
• Using it for simple chronological order where 'te kara' is enough
• Omitting the 'no' when used with nouns

Common mistakes

• Using dictionary form instead of volitional form
• Confusing with 'you to omou' (thinking of doing)
• Using for actions that aren't imminent

Common mistakes

• Using with actions that have no prior intention
• Confusing with simple past negative (nakatta)
• Incorrect formation with 'suru' (shizujimai is wrong; should be sezujimai)