N34 patterns

N3 Grammar: Rules and Decisions

Expressing personal decisions, established rules, and customs

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4 points

Every N3 rules and decisions pattern

What each pattern means, when to use it, and the mistakes that cost marks in the exam.

V-dictionary/V-nai + ことになるit has been decided that

Expresses a decision or outcome that has been determined by external factors, organizations, or circumstances rather than the speaker's own will. It often sounds more objective or formal.

Common mistakes

Using 'koto ni suru' for decisions made by a boss or company
Confusion between the 'result of circumstances' and 'personal choice'
Tense confusion between 'naru' (future/habit) and 'natta' (past decision)

Full V-dictionary/V-nai + ことになる guide

V-dictionary/V-nai + ことになっているit is the rule/custom that

Used to describe rules, social customs, laws, or appointments that have been established by a group or society. It implies that the situation is fixed and expected to be followed.

Common mistakes

Using 'shite iru' for laws or school regulations
Confusion with 'koto ni naru' (which focuses on the moment of decision)
Using for a simple future plan without a fixed appointment context

Full V-dictionary/V-nai + ことになっている guide

V-dictionary/V-nai + ことにしているto make it a rule to

Indicates a personal habit or a rule that the speaker has decided for themselves and continues to follow. It emphasizes the speaker's ongoing effort or intention.

Common mistakes

Confusing with 'koto ni natte iru' (public rules/customs)
Using the simple 'suru' instead of 'shite iru' for habits
Mixing up with 'you ni shite iru' (trying to do, but slightly less firm)

Full V-dictionary/V-nai + ことにしている guide

V-dictionary/V-nai + ことにするto decide to

Used to express a personal decision made by the speaker regarding their own future actions. It follows the dictionary form for a positive decision or the 'nai' form for a negative one.

Common mistakes

Confusing with 'koto ni naru' which is for external decisions
Using with actions not under the speaker's control
Confusing 'shimashita' (decision made) with 'shite iru' (habitual rule)

Full V-dictionary/V-nai + ことにする guide

Other N3 Grammar Categories

Time and Sequence Cause and Reason Purpose and Intention Contrast and Comparison Conditions and Hypotheses Expectation and Judgment Emphasis and Degree Hearsay and Information Characteristics and Emotions Relationships and Topics Compound Verbs and Completion Formal Expressions Manner and Method

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N34 patterns

N3 Grammar: Rules and Decisions

Expressing personal decisions, established rules, and customs

Practice N3 grammar All N3 Grammar

4 points

Every N3 rules and decisions pattern

What each pattern means, when to use it, and the mistakes that cost marks in the exam.

V-dictionary/V-nai + ことになるit has been decided that

Expresses a decision or outcome that has been determined by external factors, organizations, or circumstances rather than the speaker's own will. It often sounds more objective or formal.

Common mistakes

Using 'koto ni suru' for decisions made by a boss or company
Confusion between the 'result of circumstances' and 'personal choice'
Tense confusion between 'naru' (future/habit) and 'natta' (past decision)

Full V-dictionary/V-nai + ことになる guide

V-dictionary/V-nai + ことになっているit is the rule/custom that

Used to describe rules, social customs, laws, or appointments that have been established by a group or society. It implies that the situation is fixed and expected to be followed.

Common mistakes

Using 'shite iru' for laws or school regulations
Confusion with 'koto ni naru' (which focuses on the moment of decision)
Using for a simple future plan without a fixed appointment context

Full V-dictionary/V-nai + ことになっている guide

V-dictionary/V-nai + ことにしているto make it a rule to

Indicates a personal habit or a rule that the speaker has decided for themselves and continues to follow. It emphasizes the speaker's ongoing effort or intention.

Common mistakes

Confusing with 'koto ni natte iru' (public rules/customs)
Using the simple 'suru' instead of 'shite iru' for habits
Mixing up with 'you ni shite iru' (trying to do, but slightly less firm)

Full V-dictionary/V-nai + ことにしている guide

V-dictionary/V-nai + ことにするto decide to

Used to express a personal decision made by the speaker regarding their own future actions. It follows the dictionary form for a positive decision or the 'nai' form for a negative one.

Common mistakes

Confusing with 'koto ni naru' which is for external decisions
Using with actions not under the speaker's control
Confusing 'shimashita' (decision made) with 'shite iru' (habitual rule)

Full V-dictionary/V-nai + ことにする guide

Other N3 Grammar Categories

Adaptive practice

Practice N3 grammar

Our adaptive engine will quiz you on these 4 grammar patterns and track which ones you need to review most.

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N3 Grammar: Rules and Decisions

Rules and Decisions

Every N3 rules and decisions pattern

V-dictionary/V-nai + ことになるit has been decided that

V-dictionary/V-nai + ことになっているit is the rule/custom that

V-dictionary/V-nai + ことにしているto make it a rule to

V-dictionary/V-nai + ことにするto decide to

Other N3 Grammar Categories

Practice N3 grammar

N3 Grammar: Rules and Decisions

Rules and Decisions

Every N3 rules and decisions pattern

V-dictionary/V-nai + ことになるit has been decided that

V-dictionary/V-nai + ことになっているit is the rule/custom that

V-dictionary/V-nai + ことにしているto make it a rule to

V-dictionary/V-nai + ことにするto decide to

Other N3 Grammar Categories

Practice N3 grammar