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Expressing conditional and hypothetical situations
What each pattern means, when to use it, and the mistakes that cost marks in the exam.
Indicates that if condition A does not happen, result B cannot happen. It is almost always followed by a negative or 'impossible' expression.
Common mistakes
Emphasizes the minimum condition required for a result to occur. Once this single condition is met, everything else follows. For verbs, it often takes the form '[Stem] + さえすれば'.
Common mistakes
Used to emphasize a hypothetical condition. It states that regardless of the situation (A), the result (B) will not change. It always pairs the adverb 'tatoe' with the '-te mo' form.
Common mistakes
Sets up a strong hypothetical situation. It focuses on the assumption itself and explores what would happen or be felt if that specific condition were true.
Common mistakes
Very similar to 'toshitara', but 'tosureba' often leads to a logical judgment, deduction, or a natural consequence. 'To suru' means 'to assume/treat as'.
Common mistakes
Adaptive practice
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