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
Decide on your own action
Use verb plain form + for personal decisions.
Start with the example
。
I decided to read Japanese every morning.
reports a decision that has been made.
Notice the variation
。
Starting today, I’ve decided to go to school by train.
can announce a decision being made now.
More detail: how to apply this
means that someone decides to do something.
The decision usually belongs to the person in the sentence, not to a rule or outside organization.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Distinguish choosing an action from completing that action.
reports the decision to apply. It does not by itself confirm that the application was submitted.
、。
I hesitated, but decided to apply.
Distinguish choosing an action from completing that action.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
I decided to read Japanese every morning.
reports a decision that has been made.
Vocabulary notes
- 日本語
- Japanese language
- ことに
- into the situation that; in the arrangement that
- しました
- did
Compare in context
。
Starting today, I’ve decided to go to school by train.
can announce a decision being made now.
Vocabulary notes
- から
- from; because
- ことに
- into the situation that; in the arrangement that
- します
- do
Compare in context
。
This week, I’ve decided not to eat sweet things.
A negative plain form before means deciding not to do it.
Vocabulary notes
- ことに
- into the situation that; in the arrangement that
- します
- do
Section 2 of 4
Deciding not to do something
Deciding not to do something
Start with the example
。
I decided not to use my smartphone at night.
shows a deliberate habit change.
Notice the variation
。
I decided not to ride my bicycle on rainy days.
The decision is tied to a condition: rainy days.
More detail: how to apply this
Negative decisions are common with habits, safety, health, and time management.
Look for a plain negative verb before .
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
I decided not to use my smartphone at night.
shows a deliberate habit change.
。
I decided not to use my smartphone at night.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: I decided not to use my smartphone at night.
Showing Deciding not to do something: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
I decided not to use my smartphone at night.
shows a deliberate habit change.
Vocabulary notes
- スマホ
- smartphone
- ことに
- into the situation that; in the arrangement that
Preview
。
I decided not to ride my bicycle on rainy days.
The decision is tied to a condition: rainy days.
Vocabulary notes
- 自転車
- bicycle
- ことに
- into the situation that; in the arrangement that
- しました
- did
Preview
、。
Because I am busy, I’ve decided not to go out today.
The reason comes first, then the decision.
Vocabulary notes
- 忙しい
- busy
- ことに
- into the situation that; in the arrangement that
- します
- do
Section 3 of 4
Narrative choices after thinking
Distinguish choosing an action from completing that action.
Narrative choices after thinking
、。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
reports hesitation; signals that the next action moves beyond it.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
In stories and essays, often appears after hesitation, advice, or comparison.
It marks the moment when the person chooses one path.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
I hesitated, but decided to apply.
The contrast leads into the final decision.
、。
I hesitated, but decided to apply.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: I hesitated, but decided to apply.
Showing Narrative choices after thinking: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
、。
I hesitated, but decided to apply.
The contrast leads into the final decision.
Vocabulary notes
- 応募する
- to apply; to enter an application
- ことに
- into the situation that; in the arrangement that
Preview
、。
After discussing it with a friend, we decided to make the trip next month.
plus shows choosing an option.
Vocabulary notes
- にする
- to choose; to decide on
- ことに
- into the situation that; in the arrangement that
- しました
- did
Preview
、。
I decided to increase my part-time work in order to save money.
The purpose explains why the decision was made.
Vocabulary notes
- アルバイト
- part-time job
- 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 .
foregrounds choosing;
foregrounds the resulting arrangement.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
foregrounds choosing; foregrounds the resulting arrangement.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: I decided to rest / it was decided or arranged that I rest
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.