4 key grammar patterns
#1L36_G1
1. ～ように
Sentence Pattern
V1 (thể từ điển / thể ない) + ように、V2
In order to / So that ~.
Expresses a purpose. Before [ように], non-volitional V (potential forms, or V like わかる, みえる) are typically used. After [ように], a volitional action is stated to achieve that purpose. The subjects of both clauses can be the same or different.
Expresses a purpose. Before [ように], non-volitional V (potential forms, or V like わかる, みえる) are typically used. After [ように], a volitional action is stated to achieve that purpose. The subjects of both clauses can be the same or different.
Example Sentences (1)
今晩、 遊びに 行かない？
すみません、 大学院に 入れる ように、 毎晩 勉強して いるんです。
すみません、 大学院に 入れる ように、 毎晩 勉強して いるんです。
→ A: Would you like to go hang out tonight? B: Sorry, I study every night so that I can get into graduate school.
#2L36_G2
2. ～ように しています / ～ように して ください
Sentence Pattern
V (thể từ điển / thể ない) + ように しています
V (thể từ điển / thể ない) + ように して ください
Making an effort / Polite request.
[～ように しています] expresses continuous effort to maintain a habit (doing or not doing something). [～ように して ください] is a polite way to ask or request someone to do or not do something, being softer than [～て ください].
[～ように しています] expresses continuous effort to maintain a habit (doing or not doing something). [～ように して ください] is a polite way to ask or request someone to do or not do something, being softer than [～て ください].
Example Sentences (2)
今日から タバコを 吸わない ように しています。
→ I am making an effort not to smoke starting today.
毎日 運動するように して ください。
→ Please make an effort to exercise every day.
#3L36_G3
3. ～ように なりました / ～なく なりました
Sentence Pattern
V (thể từ điển / thể khả năng / thể ない) + ように なりました
V (thể khả năng) + なく なりました
Change in state or ability.
[～ように なりました] expresses a new habit or ability: a state where someone couldn't do something before, but now can. [～なく なりました] expresses that someone could do something before, but can no longer do it now.
[～ように なりました] expresses a new habit or ability: a state where someone couldn't do something before, but now can. [～なく なりました] expresses that someone could do something before, but can no longer do it now.
Example Sentences (3)
やっと 自転車に 乗れるように なりました。
→ Finally, I have become able to ride a bicycle.
前 よく タバコを 吸いましたが、 最近 吸わないように なりました。
→ I used to smoke a lot before, but recently I've stopped smoking.
太りましたから、その 服が 着られなく なりました。
→ Because I gained weight, I became unable to wear those clothes.
#4L36_G4
4. ～とか
Sentence Pattern
N1 + とか、N2 + とか
Things like... / Such as...
Used to list items or give typical examples. Commonly used between N or at the end of a sentence in casual conversation.
Used to list items or give typical examples. Commonly used between N or at the end of a sentence in casual conversation.
Example Sentences (1)
どんな スポーツを していますか。
テニスとか 水泳とか…。
テニスとか 水泳とか…。
→ A: What kind of sports do you play? B: Well, things like tennis and swimming...
