接Longer sentences
How forms connect
Every pattern attaches to a particular form of a word. Group the patterns by form, and many become easier to remember.
Verbs
Which verb form does it need?
| Form | Example | Patterns that use it |
|---|---|---|
| ない form base | 行か | ~ないで, ~なければならない, ~なくなる, ~なくてもいい |
| ます stem | 行き | ~たい, ~やすい, ~にくい, ~すぎる, ~ながら, ~ましょう, ~なさい, ~はじめる, ~方 |
| Plain present | 行く | ~つもり, ~前に, ~ことができる, ~ようになる, ~ために, ~と |
| ば form | 行け | ~ば, ~ばよかった |
| Volitional | 行こう | ~と思う |
| て form | 行って | ~ください, ~いる, ~みる, ~おく, ~しまう, ~もいい, ~から |
| Past | 行った | ~ことがある, ~ほうがいい, ~あとで, ~ら, ~り, ~まま |
Plain sentences
These follow any plain form
Three connectors keep repeating: nothing after だ drops, な for な adjectives, and の or な for nouns.
| Type | Example | Patterns |
|---|---|---|
| Verb and い adjective | 行く, 高い | ~だろう, ~かもしれない, ~はず, ~そうだ (heard), ~らしい, ~のだ, ~ので, ~のに |
| な adjective | 静か(だ, な) | ~だろう, ~かもしれない, ~らしい (no だ); ~はず, ~のだ, ~ので, ~のに (with な) |
| Noun | 学生(だ, な, の) | ~だろう, ~かもしれない, ~らしい (no だ); ~のだ, ~ので (な); ~はず (の) |
One verb, many patterns
See how the form changes
I want to drink.
ます stem + たい
Please drink.
て form + ください
I intend to drink.
Plain + つもり
I've drunk it before.
Past + ことがある
Please don't drink.
ない + で + ください
If you drink it, you'll get well.
ば form
I think I'll drink.
Volitional + と思う
How to use this
Learn patterns with their form
When you meet a new pattern, note which form it uses. Patterns built on the same form behave alike. And notice how adjectives and nouns behave: だ usually changes to な or の before words like のだ and はず, and drops before だろう and らしい.
Check yourself
Which verb form comes before this?
It's easy to write with.
Your turn
Which form?
I want to go to Tokyo.
Say it yourself
Put it all together
Tell a friend about a trip. You want to go to Okinawa, you've been there once, and you're planning to go next year.
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