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Expressing manner, method, and intervals of actions
What each pattern means, when to use it, and the mistakes that cost marks in the exam.
Indicates that an event is occurring again after a significant period of time has passed. It is used with time-duration nouns.
Common mistakes
Indicates that a state remains unchanged while another action or situation occurs. Often used for states that are usually expected to change (e.g., leaving lights on).
Common mistakes
Indicates that something which is usually included or expected is omitted. Often used with food orders or to set a serious tone by 'leaving out' jokes.
Common mistakes
Indicates that something happens at regular intervals of time or distance. Note that '1日おき' means 'every other day' (one day gap).
Common mistakes
Used to describe two actions happening at the same time or a contradiction (although). It is a more formal and literary version of 〜ながら.
Common mistakes
Expresses that an action is performed in the same way as something else or according to an instruction. It can follow the plain form of verbs or 'Noun + の'.
Common mistakes
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on these 6 grammar patterns and track which ones you need to review most.