N3Cause and Reason

V-plain・Naな・Nの + あまり

Q: Is "Using this pattern to express a positive emotion or a positive result." correct?

No. The correct form is "Use a different pattern to express a positive emotion or a positive result.". This pattern is used to emphasize the cause and reason behind a situation, often in a negative or regretful way. Using it to express a positive emotion or a positive result would be incorrect.

Q: Is "Forgetting the 'no' particle for nouns." correct?

No. The correct form is "Use the 'no' particle for nouns.". The 'no' particle is used to indicate possession or a relationship between the noun and the following word. Forgetting it would change the meaning of the sentence.

Q: Is "Confusing this pattern with 'amari... nai' (not very)." correct?

No. The correct form is "Use the correct pattern to express a lack or insufficiency.". The pattern 'amari... nai' is used to express a lack or insufficiency, whereas this pattern is used to emphasize the cause and reason behind a situation.

so much that/excessively

Definition

Meaning

The grammar pattern "V-plain・Naな・Nの + あまり" is used to indicate that an extreme degree of a state or emotion has led to an unusual or often negative result. It emphasizes the cause and reason behind a situation, suggesting that the state or emotion has reached an excessive level. This pattern is often used in situations where the speaker is expressing surprise, concern, or regret. For example, if someone is shocked by the loud noise, they might say "驚きのあまり、声も出なかった" (I was so shocked that I couldn't even make a sound).

Structure

Formation Rules

Form	Pattern	Example
Na-adjective plain form	Naな + あまり	忙し + あまり
Noun plain form	Nの + あまり	声の + あまり
Verb plain form	V-plain + あまり	驚き + あまり

Examples

Example Sentences

驚きのあまり、声も出なかった。

Sabaki no amari, koe mo deta.

I was so shocked that I couldn't even make a sound.

驚き (shocking), の (possessive particle), あまり (excessive degree), 声も (even voice), 出なかった (couldn't make a sound)

忙しすぎるあまり、食事をするのを忘れてしまった。

Isogashisugiru amari, shokuji o suru no o wasurete shimatta.

I was so busy that I forgot to eat.

忙しすぎる (too busy), の (possessive particle), あまり (excessive degree), 食事をする (to eat), の (possessive particle), を (object marker), 忘れて (forgot), しまった (got caught)

彼女のことを心配するあまり、夜も眠れなくなってしまった。

Kanojo no koto o kanpai suru amari, yoru mo nemure nakatta.

I was so worried about her that I couldn't sleep at night.

彼女のことを (about her), 心配する (to worry), の (possessive particle), あまり (excessive degree), 夜も (even at night), 眠れなくなって (couldn't sleep)

Context

Usage Notes

This pattern is used to emphasize the cause and reason behind a situation. It is often used in situations where the speaker is expressing surprise, concern, or regret. The pattern can be used with Na-adjectives, nouns, and verbs. However, it is not suitable for situations where the speaker is expressing a positive emotion or a positive result.

Watch out

Common Mistakes

Using this pattern to express a positive emotion or a positive result.

Use a different pattern to express a positive emotion or a positive result.

This pattern is used to emphasize the cause and reason behind a situation, often in a negative or regretful way. Using it to express a positive emotion or a positive result would be incorrect.

Forgetting the 'no' particle for nouns.

Use the 'no' particle for nouns.

The 'no' particle is used to indicate possession or a relationship between the noun and the following word. Forgetting it would change the meaning of the sentence.

Confusing this pattern with 'amari... nai' (not very).

Use the correct pattern to express a lack or insufficiency.

The pattern 'amari... nai' is used to express a lack or insufficiency, whereas this pattern is used to emphasize the cause and reason behind a situation.

Strategy

JLPT Exam Tips

When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, make sure to emphasize the cause and reason behind the situation. Use the correct particles and word order to convey the intended meaning. Be careful not to confuse this pattern with other similar patterns.

In context