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
Read ～ as a standing rule, policy, or established arrangement.
Start with the example
、。
At this library, eating and drinking inside are not allowed.
Standing rule.
Notice the variation
、。
The interview result is scheduled to be announced within one week.
Established procedure.
More detail: how to apply this
～ describes a rule, system, or arrangement that is already in place.
It is common in signs, company manuals, school policies, and official schedules.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Read the arrangement as already established while keeping its execution separate from a confirmed event.
presents an existing schedule. It does not guarantee actual operation will be unaffected by delays or other circumstances.
。
This train is scheduled to stop at the next station for about five minutes.
Read the arrangement as already established while keeping its execution separate from a confirmed event.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
、。
At this library, eating and drinking inside are not allowed.
Standing rule.
Vocabulary notes
- ことになっている
- it has been decided that; it is arranged that
Compare in context
、。
The interview result is scheduled to be announced within one week.
Established procedure.
Vocabulary notes
- 連絡する
- to contact; to inform
- ことに
- into the situation that; in the arrangement that
Section 2 of 4
Compare related forms
Compare related forms
Start with the example
。
We decided to wear uniforms starting next month.
The decision itself.
Notice the variation
。
It was decided that we will wear uniforms starting next month.
Outcome of a decision.
More detail: how to apply this
is a decision made by the speaker or a group.
is the result of a decision or arrangement.
focuses on the rule or arrangement as a continuing state.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
We decided to wear uniforms starting next month.
The decision itself.
。
We decided to wear uniforms starting next month.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: We decided to wear uniforms starting next month.
Showing Compare related forms: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
We decided to wear uniforms starting next month.
The decision itself.
Vocabulary notes
- から
- from; because
- ことに
- into the situation that; in the arrangement that
Preview
。
It was decided that we will wear uniforms starting next month.
Outcome of a decision.
Vocabulary notes
- から
- from; because
- ことに
- into the situation that; in the arrangement that
Preview
。
We are supposed to wear uniforms starting next month.
Existing arrangement or rule.
Vocabulary notes
- ことになっている
- it has been decided that; it is arranged that
Section 3 of 4
Reading focus
Read the arrangement as already established while keeping its execution separate from a confirmed event.
Reading focus
。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
The arrangement concerns this train at its next station.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
In reading, ask whether the sentence is reporting a rule, a procedure, or a one-time decision.
Institutional subjects such as , , , and often point to ～.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Application forms are to be submitted by the deadline.
Notice-style obligation or standing instruction.
、。
Application forms are to be submitted by the deadline.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: Application forms are to be submitted by the deadline.
Showing Reading focus: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
、。
Application forms are to be submitted by the deadline.
Notice-style obligation or standing instruction.
Vocabulary notes
- 締め切り
- deadline
- ことになっている
- it has been decided that; it is arranged that
Preview
。
This train is scheduled to stop at the next station for about five minutes.
Timetable arrangement rather than a fresh decision.
Vocabulary notes
- ことになっている
- it has been decided that; it is arranged that
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 .
foregrounds the agent's choice;
foregrounds the arranged state.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
foregrounds the agent's choice; foregrounds the arranged state.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: Personal chosen practice / standing arrangement or rule
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.