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 idea
Understand how marks automatic or habitual results.
Start with the example
、。
When spring comes, cherry blossoms bloom.
Seasonal change leads automatically to the result.
Notice the variation
、。
If you press this button, the door opens.
Machine-like or system-like results fit well.
More detail: how to apply this
The conditional is used when the second part happens automatically, regularly, or as a natural consequence whenever the first part occurs.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Decide whether connects an action to an automatic change or to a place or situation encountered afterward.
describes the bank’s location. Turning right does not cause a new bank to be built; it leads to discovering one already there.
、。
If you turn right, there is a bank.
Decide whether connects an action to an automatic change or to a place or situation encountered afterward.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
、。
When spring comes, cherry blossoms bloom.
Seasonal change leads automatically to the result.
Vocabulary notes
- になる
- to become
Compare in context
、。
If you press this button, the door opens.
Machine-like or system-like results fit well.
Vocabulary notes
- この
- this
- ドア
- door
Section 2 of 4
Formation and patterns
Formation and patterns
Start with the example
、。
If you turn right, there is a bank.
Route directions often use for predictable outcomes.
Notice the variation
、。
When night comes, the town becomes quiet.
Repeated time patterns sound natural with .
More detail: how to apply this
Use the plain non-past form + .
It is common for instructions, systems, weather patterns, and repeated daily sequences.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
If you turn right, there is a bank.
Route directions often use for predictable outcomes.
、。
If you turn right, there is a bank.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: If you turn right, there is a bank.
Showing Formation and patterns: Everyday words.
Target signal
、。
If you turn right, there is a bank.
Route directions often use for predictable outcomes.
Vocabulary notes
- 曲がる
- to turn; to bend
- あります
- there is; there are
Preview
、。
When night comes, the town becomes quiet.
Repeated time patterns sound natural with .
Vocabulary notes
- になる
- to become
- 静かに
- quietly
Section 3 of 4
Reading and nuance
Decide whether connects an action to an automatic change or to a place or situation encountered afterward.
Reading and nuance
、。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
Turning right is the route instruction that creates the viewpoint for the next clause.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
Because sounds automatic or general, it is usually not the best choice before commands, requests, or the speaker's deliberate decision.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
If you take this medicine, you get sleepy.
This is a regular effect, not a personal decision.
、。
If you take this medicine, you get sleepy.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: If you take this medicine, you get sleepy.
Showing Reading and nuance: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
、。
If you take this medicine, you get sleepy.
This is a regular effect, not a personal decision.
Vocabulary notes
- この
- this
- 飲む
- to drink
Preview
、。
When I opened the window, cold wind came in.
In narrative writing, can also mark an immediate observed result.
Vocabulary notes
- 開ける
- to open
- 冷たい
- cold
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 .
suits a regular consequence;
the invitation needs a construction such as here.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
suits a regular consequence; the invitation needs a construction such as here.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: Regular seasonal result / personal proposal for after spring arrives
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.