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
Decisions made by someone or something else
Use when a decision is made by outside forces, groups, or circumstances.
Start with the example
。
It has been decided that I will work in Osaka starting next month.
The decision sounds like an assignment or arrangement, not just a private intention.
Notice the variation
。
It was decided that the school event would be held in the gymnasium.
A group or school arrangement decides the action.
More detail: how to apply this
often means “it has been decided that...” The source of the decision may be a company, school, group, rule, or situation rather than the speaker’s personal choice.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Look backward for the circumstances or arrangement that explain how the outcome arose.
foregrounds how circumstances led to that outcome. It does not identify a personal preference for walking.
、。
Because the train stopped, I ended up walking home.
Look backward for the circumstances or arrangement that explain how the outcome arose.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
It has been decided that I will work in Osaka starting next month.
The decision sounds like an assignment or arrangement, not just a private intention.
Vocabulary notes
- から
- from; because
- ことに
- into the situation that; in the arrangement that
- なりました
- became
Compare in context
。
It was decided that the school event would be held in the gymnasium.
A group or school arrangement decides the action.
Vocabulary notes
- 体育館
- gymnasium
- ことに
- into the situation that; in the arrangement that
- なりました
- became
Compare in context
、。
Under the new rule, it was decided that we would gather at nine.
The rule sets the arrangement.
Vocabulary notes
- ことに
- into the situation that; in the arrangement that
- なりました
- became
Section 2 of 4
Results caused by circumstances
Results caused by circumstances
Start with the example
、。
Because the train stopped, I ended up walking home.
The train problem caused the outcome.
Notice the variation
、。
Because the venue was cramped, it was decided that another room would be used.
The cramped room created the need for a different choice.
More detail: how to apply this
can also show that events lead to an outcome.
In this use, the result may not be what someone personally chose at first.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Because the train stopped, I ended up walking home.
The train problem caused the outcome.
、。
Because the train stopped, I ended up walking home.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: Because the train stopped, I ended up walking home.
Showing Results caused by circumstances: Everyday words.
Target signal
、。
Because the train stopped, I ended up walking home.
The train problem caused the outcome.
Vocabulary notes
- 歩いて
- walking
- ことに
- into the situation that; in the arrangement that
Preview
、。
Because the venue was cramped, it was decided that another room would be used.
The cramped room created the need for a different choice.
Vocabulary notes
- ので
- because; since
- ことに
- into the situation that; in the arrangement that
Preview
、。
Because the number of people increased, it was decided that the desks would be taken outside.
A change in circumstances leads to a new arrangement.
Vocabulary notes
- ことに
- into the situation that; in the arrangement that
- なりました
- became
Section 3 of 4
Standing arrangements with ことになっている
Look backward for the circumstances or arrangement that explain how the outcome arose.
Standing arrangements with ことになっている
、。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
The train stopped, and presents this as the cause of the outcome.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
means that something is arranged, scheduled, or set as a rule.
You will see it in notices, school instructions, workplace messages, and community announcements.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
It has been arranged that tuition will rise starting next year.
presents an established arrangement.
。
It has been arranged that tuition will rise starting next year.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: It has been arranged that tuition will rise starting next year.
Showing Standing arrangements with ことになっている: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
。
It has been arranged that tuition will rise starting next year.
presents an established arrangement.
Vocabulary notes
- ことに
- into the situation that; in the arrangement that
Preview
。
At the company, a new work schedule is to be used from next month.
identifies where the established arrangement applies.
Preview
、。
According to the teacher’s explanation, reports are to be submitted by Friday.
attributes the information to the teacher. presents an existing arrangement.
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 .
presents an outcome or arrangement without necessarily identifying who decided.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
presents an outcome or arrangement without necessarily identifying who decided.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: Chose to study abroad / came to be arranged to study abroad
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.