N2Change & Process

V（ます形）＋つつある

Q: Is "Using the dictionary form instead of the Masu-stem" correct?

No. The correct form is "Use the Masu-stem of the verb". The Masu-stem is required to form the correct pattern, using the dictionary form will result in an incorrect sentence.

Q: Is "Confusing with 'つつある' (while/simultaneous action)" correct?

No. The correct form is "Use the correct pattern for simultaneous action". While both patterns use 'つつある', they have different meanings and are used in different contexts.

Q: Is "Using with verbs that do not imply a gradual change" correct?

No. The correct form is "Use with verbs that indicate a change or development". This pattern is used to express a gradual or ongoing process, using it with verbs that do not imply a change will result in an incorrect sentence.

In the process of; is doing

Definition

Meaning

The grammar pattern "V（ます形）＋つつある" is used to express that a certain change is currently in progress. It signifies a gradual or ongoing process, often in a formal or written context, such as news and reports. This pattern is commonly used with verbs that indicate a change or development, emphasizing the idea that the change is happening at the moment of speaking or writing.

Structure

Formation Rules

Form	Pattern	Example
Masu-stem of verbs	V（ます形）＋つつある	見る（ます形）＋つつある → 見つつある
Masu-stem of verbs with -u or -i ending	V（ます形）＋つつある	見る（ます形）＋つつある → 見つつある (same as above)
Masu-stem of verbs with -e or -i ending	V（ます形）＋つつある	見せる（ます形）＋つつある → 見せつつある

Examples

Example Sentences

日本でもキャッシュレス決済が急速に普及し______。

Nihon demo kyasharesu keiyaku ga kyūsoku ni fukkatsu shi tsutsu aru.

In Japan, cashless payments are becoming popular at a rapid pace and are currently in the process of spreading.

キャッシュレス決済が急速に普及し (cashless payments are becoming popular at a rapid pace) + つつある (are currently in the process of spreading)

忘れ去られていた伝統文化が、最近若者の間で見直され______。

Wasuregara reta dentō bunka ga, rekishiteki wakamono no aida de minaoka sare tsutsu aru.

The traditional culture that had been forgotten is currently being reevaluated by young people.

忘れ去られていた (had been forgotten) + 見直され (is being reevaluated) + つつある (is currently)

景気は少しずつ回復し______が、中小企業の経営は依然として厳しい。

Keiki wa sukoshi tsutsu kaishō shi tsutsu aru ga, chūshō kigyo no keiei wa yūyū to shite kiyō shi tsutsu aru.

The economy is gradually recovering, but the management of small and medium-sized enterprises remains difficult.

景気は少しずつ回復し (the economy is gradually recovering) + つつある (is currently) + が (but) + 中小企業の経営は依然として厳しい (the management of small and medium-sized enterprises remains difficult)

Context

Usage Notes

This pattern is commonly used in formal or written contexts, such as news and reports, to express a gradual or ongoing process. It is often used with verbs that indicate a change or development. Be careful not to confuse this pattern with 'つつある' (while/simultaneous action) or use it with verbs that do not imply a gradual change.

Watch out

Common Mistakes

Using the dictionary form instead of the Masu-stem

Use the Masu-stem of the verb

The Masu-stem is required to form the correct pattern, using the dictionary form will result in an incorrect sentence.

Confusing with 'つつある' (while/simultaneous action)

Use the correct pattern for simultaneous action

While both patterns use 'つつある', they have different meanings and are used in different contexts.

Using with verbs that do not imply a gradual change

Use with verbs that indicate a change or development

This pattern is used to express a gradual or ongoing process, using it with verbs that do not imply a change will result in an incorrect sentence.

Strategy

JLPT Exam Tips

When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, be careful to use the correct Masu-stem of the verb and to choose a verb that implies a gradual change. Also, be aware of the difference between this pattern and 'つつある' (while/simultaneous action).

In context