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Connecting clauses and expressing reasons, contrast, and sequence
What each pattern means, when to use it, and the mistakes that cost marks in the exam.
後で indicates something happens after another action. Verb ta-form + 後で for actions, Noun + の + 後で for nouns. Unlike 前に, the verb before 後で must be in ta-form (past form).
Common mistakes
でも is placed at the beginning of a sentence to show contrast with the previous sentence. Unlike けど, which connects clauses within one sentence, でも connects two separate sentences.
Common mistakes
As a conjunction, から connects two clauses where the first provides the reason for the second. Placed after the reason clause in plain or polite form. Also used as a particle meaning 'from' (time/place).
Common mistakes
けど connects two clauses with a contrasting or softening relationship. けど is casual, けれど is semi-formal, けれども is formal. Attaches to the end of the first clause (plain or polite form).
Common mistakes
前に indicates something happens before another action. Verb dictionary form + 前に for actions, Noun + の + 前に for nouns. The verb before 前に is always in dictionary form regardless of the tense of the main clause.
Common mistakes
ので connects a reason clause to a result clause, similar to から but softer and more objective. Used in polite and formal contexts. Attaches to plain form (na-adjective/noun use な before ので).
Common mistakes
Adaptive practice
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