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Expressing plans, decisions, intentions, and changes in ability or habit
What each pattern means, when to use it, and the mistakes that cost marks in the exam.
Expresses a decision made by an outside party or resulting from circumstances beyond the speaker's direct control. Formed by Verb (Dictionary form or Nai-form) + ことになる.
Common mistakes
Expresses a rule, custom, or appointment that has been decided by an external authority or group. It focuses on the resulting state of the decision rather than the act of deciding.
Common mistakes
Expresses a personal habit or a rule that the speaker has decided for themselves and is currently practicing. It highlights personal willpower or routine.
Common mistakes
Used when the speaker makes a personal decision to perform an action. It is formed by Verb (Dictionary form or Nai-form) + ことにする.
Common mistakes
Used when choosing one item or option from several possibilities. Formed by Noun + にする.
Common mistakes
Expresses an objective plan or arrangement that has been fixed. Formed by Verb (Dictionary form) + 予定 or Noun + の + 予定.
Common mistakes
Describes a gradual change in ability or habit over time. Formed by Verb (Dictionary/Potential/Nai-form) + ようになる.
Common mistakes
Indicates a conscious effort or intention to establish a habit or ensure a result. Formed by Verb (Dictionary/Nai-form) + ようにする.
Common mistakes
Expresses an intention or plan. It is softer than つもり and often describes decisions made at the moment. Formed by Verb (Volitional Form) + と思う.
Common mistakes
Describes an attempt to do something or an action that is just about to occur. Formed by Verb (Volitional Form) + とする.
Common mistakes
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on these 10 grammar patterns and track which ones you need to review most.