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
Speaker decision vs external result
Distinguish personal decisions from external decisions and established arrangements.
Start with the example
、。
I decided to walk home instead of taking the train today.
shows the speaker’s own decision.
Notice the variation
。
It was decided that the meeting would be postponed until next week.
presents the result of a decision without centering the decider.
More detail: how to apply this
usually shows a decision made by the speaker or the group they belong to.
usually presents the outcome of a decision, often without naming the decision-maker directly.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Distinguish a continuing personal rule from a one-time decision and an externally presented arrangement.
presents that choice as a maintained practice. It does not identify an institution imposing the rule.
、。
As a rule, I walk for thirty minutes every morning for my health.
Distinguish a continuing personal rule from a one-time decision and an externally presented arrangement.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
、。
I decided to walk home instead of taking the train today.
shows the speaker’s own decision.
Vocabulary notes
- ではなく
- not; instead of
- 歩いて
- walking
- ことに
- into the situation that; in the arrangement that
Compare in context
。
It was decided that the meeting would be postponed until next week.
presents the result of a decision without centering the decider.
Vocabulary notes
- する
- to do
- ことに
- into the situation that; in the arrangement that
Section 2 of 4
Habitual and formal extensions
Habitual and formal extensions
Start with the example
、。
As a rule, I walk for thirty minutes every morning for my health.
Personal routine.
Notice the variation
。
Applications are to be submitted online.
Standing rule.
More detail: how to apply this
adds the nuance of a personal rule or habit.
describes a formal rule or ongoing arrangement.
These forms are easy to confuse, so always ask who controls the decision and whether it is still in effect.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
As a rule, I walk for thirty minutes every morning for my health.
Personal routine.
、。
As a rule, I walk for thirty minutes every morning for my health.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: As a rule, I walk for thirty minutes every morning for my health.
Showing Habitual and formal extensions: Everyday words.
Target signal
、。
As a rule, I walk for thirty minutes every morning for my health.
Personal routine.
Vocabulary notes
- ことに
- into the situation that; in the arrangement that
Preview
。
Applications are to be submitted online.
Standing 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
Distinguish a continuing personal rule from a one-time decision and an externally presented arrangement.
Reading focus
、。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
Health gives the purpose of the personal routine.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
In longer passages, track the agent of the decision.
If a speaker is present, often belongs to them.
In announcements and reports, or often foreground the result or system instead of the decider.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Because of the budget, the new plan was canceled.
The sentence reports the outcome, not who decided it.
、。
Because of the budget, the new plan was canceled.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: Because of the budget, the new plan was canceled.
Showing Reading focus: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
、。
Because of the budget, the new plan was canceled.
The sentence reports the outcome, not who decided it.
Vocabulary notes
- 新しい
- new
- ことに
- into the situation that; in the arrangement that
Preview
SNS。
I decided not to look at social media for a while.
A personal choice is framed from the speaker’s side.
Vocabulary notes
- しばらく
- for a little while
- ことに
- into the situation that; in the arrangement 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 .
can establish an assumed or agreed treatment;
dictionary-form chooses a future action.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
can establish an assumed or agreed treatment; dictionary-form chooses a future action.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: Treat it as having been forgotten / decide to forget
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.