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
Why nominalization matters
Recognize when actions, facts, and statements are turned into noun-like units.
Start with the example
。
Continuing Japanese is important.
turns the whole action into a noun-like subject.
Notice the variation
。
It is unusual that he is not coming.
packages the whole clause as the topic being judged.
More detail: how to apply this
Japanese often turns a whole clause into something that acts like a noun.
This allows writers to treat actions, ideas, and facts as topics, subjects, or objects.
At N3, this appears frequently in explanations and opinions.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Treat the nominalized clause as one topic, then read exactly what the outer predicate claims about it.
adds those difficulties. It does not say language is easy or irrelevant; it says there are other challenges too.
、。
Working in Japan has difficulties besides language.
Treat the nominalized clause as one topic, then read exactly what the outer predicate claims about it.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
Continuing Japanese is important.
turns the whole action into a noun-like subject.
Vocabulary notes
- 日本語
- Japanese language
- 続ける
- to continue; to keep doing
Compare in context
。
It is unusual that he is not coming.
packages the whole clause as the topic being judged.
Vocabulary notes
- が
- subject marker
- 珍しい
- rare; unusual
Section 2 of 4
の, こと, and ということ
, , and
Start with the example
。
I like listening to music.
is common with likes, dislikes, and direct experience.
Notice the variation
。
Getting up at a fixed time every day is important.
turns into the subject marked by . The judgment is .
More detail: how to apply this
and both turn clauses into noun-like units, but their distribution depends on the following expression as well as context.
is common with direct perception and likes;
occurs in patterns such as .
can package a fact, conclusion, or reported content.
Do not choose only by a concrete-versus-abstract shortcut.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
I like listening to music.
is common with likes, dislikes, and direct experience.
。
I like listening to music.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: I like listening to music.
Showing の, こと, and ということ: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
I like listening to music.
is common with likes, dislikes, and direct experience.
Vocabulary notes
- 音楽
- music
- 聞く
- to hear; to listen; to ask
Preview
。
Getting up at a fixed time every day is important.
turns into the subject marked by . The judgment is .
Preview
、。
Is it true that he is quitting?
packages a whole proposition as information.
Vocabulary notes
- 辞める
- to quit; to resign
- という
- called; that ...; saying that ...
Section 3 of 4
Reading focus
Treat the nominalized clause as one topic, then read exactly what the outer predicate claims about it.
Reading focus
、。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
packages working in Japan as the topic of the evaluation. is the place inside that activity, not the evaluator.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
When a sentence feels abstract, look for the chunk ending in , , or and treat it as one block.
Then ask what the rest of the sentence says about that block: is it important, surprising, possible, or true?
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Working in Japan has difficulties besides language.
Nominalization lets the writer discuss the activity itself as a topic.
、。
Working in Japan has difficulties besides language.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: Working in Japan has difficulties besides language.
Showing Reading focus: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
、。
Working in Japan has difficulties besides language.
Nominalization lets the writer discuss the activity itself as a topic.
Vocabulary notes
- ことに
- into the situation that; in the arrangement that
Preview
、。
The fact that this number is increasing means that the number of users has increased.
The second explains what the first fact implies.
Vocabulary notes
- ということだ
- I hear that; it means that
Section 4 of 4
Compare the meaning
Use the contrast to make a decision. Choose an answer before opening the explanation.
Read the example
[]
Your turn · decide before revealing
What is the topic?
More detail: what changes and why
In [], what is the topic?
nominalizes the whole bracketed negative clause so it can be evaluated as .
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
nominalizes the whole bracketed negative clause so it can be evaluated as .
What is the topic?
Supported meaning: The whole act of not rereading what was written
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.