Lesson article
Spot the signal, compare it, then read it in context
Read all 4 sections in order. Notice the target form, compare it with the nearby alternative, then use the reading and practice below to check the meaning in context.
Section 1 of 4
Core meaning
Use 〜 for favorable results and 〜 for negative results or blame.
Start with the example
、。
Thanks to my teacher's advice, I was able to pass.
marks a positive, appreciated result.
Notice the variation
、。
Because of the rain, the game was canceled.
marks a negative result with complaint or inconvenience.
More detail: how to apply this
Both patterns connect cause and result. 〜 is used when the result is positive or beneficial. 〜 is used when the result is negative, inconvenient, or blameworthy.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Identify both the attributed cause and the result that makes its evaluation positive or negative.
Faster reading than before is the beneficial result. The positive evaluation comes from the relationship between the cause and this outcome.
、。
Thanks to reviewing every day, I became faster at reading than before.
Identify both the attributed cause and the result that makes its evaluation positive or negative.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
、。
Thanks to my teacher's advice, I was able to pass.
marks a positive, appreciated result.
Vocabulary notes
- アドバイス
- advice
- おかげで
- thanks to
Compare in context
、。
Because of the rain, the game was canceled.
marks a negative result with complaint or inconvenience.
Vocabulary notes
- せいで
- because of; due to (negative result)
- が
- subject marker
- 中止
- cancellation; suspension
Section 2 of 4
Tone and responsibility
Tone and responsibility
Start with the example
、。
Thanks to my friend's help, I finished quickly.
The speaker expresses gratitude toward the friend's help.
Notice the variation
、。
Because of the train delay, I could not make it to the meeting on time.
The delay is presented as the cause of the missed meeting.
More detail: how to apply this
The difference is not only factual but emotional. 〜 often includes gratitude. 〜 often includes complaint, frustration, or blame.
Because tone matters, this grammar is important for reading author attitude.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Thanks to my friend's help, I finished quickly.
The speaker expresses gratitude toward the friend's help.
、。
Thanks to my friend's help, I finished quickly.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: Thanks to my friend's help, I finished quickly.
Showing Tone and responsibility: Everyday words.
Target signal
、。
Thanks to my friend's help, I finished quickly.
The speaker expresses gratitude toward the friend's help.
Vocabulary notes
- おかげで
- thanks to
Preview
、。
Because of the train delay, I could not make it to the meeting on time.
The delay is presented as the cause of the missed meeting.
Vocabulary notes
- 電車
- train
- せいで
- because of; due to (negative result)
- 会議
- meeting
Section 3 of 4
Reading notes
Identify both the attributed cause and the result that makes its evaluation positive or negative.
Reading notes
、。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
Daily review is the cause the narrator credits.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
Look at the result clause first.
If the outcome is good, 〜 is likely.
If the result is bad, 〜 is natural.
In essays and narratives, this pair often reveals the speaker’s emotional evaluation, not just the event sequence.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Thanks to reviewing every day, I became faster at reading than before.
The faster reading speed is evaluated positively.
、。
Thanks to reviewing every day, I became faster at reading than before.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: Thanks to reviewing every day, I became faster at reading than before.
Showing Reading notes: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
、。
Thanks to reviewing every day, I became faster at reading than before.
The faster reading speed is evaluated positively.
Vocabulary notes
- おかげで
- thanks to
Preview
、。
Because of insufficient preparation, the presentation did not go well.
highlights blame or a negative cause.
Vocabulary notes
- せいで
- because of; due to (negative result)
- うまく
- well; skillfully
Section 4 of 4
Compare the meaning
Use the contrast to make a decision. Choose an answer before opening the explanation.
Example A
Example B
Your turn · decide before revealing
How do these two examples change the meaning?
More detail: what changes and why
Compare and .
The same cause can be evaluated differently depending on its consequence and the speaker's stance.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
The same cause can be evaluated differently depending on its consequence and the speaker's stance.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: Rain credited for a benefit / rain blamed for a bad outcome
Use the sentence to choose between these interpretations; do not add information that is only in an answer choice.
Showing Compare the meaning: Everyday words.