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
The four-way contrast
Start with one question: how are the two parts of the sentence connected?
A result or discovery
Often shows what regularly follows an action, or what someone discovers after it.
After something happens
Can make a completed event the starting point for the next action.
Advice about a plan
Takes a plan or assumed situation as the starting point. The advice may apply before that event.
A condition for a result
Highlights the condition that the result depends on.
More detail: how the meanings overlap
The four conditionals overlap.
often presents a regular result or discovery;
can set a completed-event trigger for a request;
takes an assumed situation as context;
highlights a condition.
Read the particular action, result, and timing rather than assigning each form one exclusive English meaning.
Explain it another way
Choose a form, then try a different way of looking at it.
If that’s the case, here’s my suggestion.
Take an idea someone has mentioned—or a situation you are imagining—and respond to it. “If X is the case, then Y” is a useful way to hear this.
、。
If you’re going to Japan, I recommend Kyoto.
The situation can be assumed or hypothetical. It does not have to be something a friend actually said.
Showing なら: Everyday words.
Target signal
、。
When you arrive at the station, please contact me.
works well with requests after the condition is met.
Compare in context
、。
If you're going to Japan, I also recommend Kyoto.
responds to a known topic.
Vocabulary notes
- おすすめ
- recommendation
Section 2 of 4
Where each one sounds natural
One trip, four different connections. Read one example at a time.
Advice about the plan
、。
If you’re going to the station, please save the map first.
Save the map before the trip.
A request after arrival
、。
When you arrive at the station, please call.
Arrive first, then call.
A route to a discovery
、。
When you leave through the east exit, you’ll find an information desk.
Follow the route and notice what is there.
A condition for a request
、。
If you have time, please stop by.
Having time is the condition. This state can be followed by a request.
More detail: other forms can change the focus
For one trip, compare 、 (advice based on the plan), 、 (a request after arrival), and 、 (a route leading to a discovery).
、 uses a state condition before a request.
Some alternatives are possible, but they can change what the speaker takes as context or as a trigger.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
If you press this button, the light turns on.
Automatic results and systems favor .
、。
If you press this button, the light turns on.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: If you press this button, the light turns on.
Showing Where each one sounds natural: Everyday words.
Target signal
、。
If you press this button, the light turns on.
Automatic results and systems favor .
Vocabulary notes
- この
- this
Preview
、。
If I have time, I'd like to talk a little.
General hypothetical judgments often favor .
Section 3 of 4
Reading strategy
Your goal: use both halves of a sentence to work out what happened. Follow this example one step at a time.
A discovery when you get home
、。
Step 1 of 3 · Find the condition
Start with the part ending in : “when I got home.” This tells you the moment the speaker is describing.
Step 1: Find the condition
More detail: how to read the relationship
When you meet a conditional in reading, ask what kind of relationship the writer means: sequence, context, automatic result, or logical condition.
That usually reveals why that form was chosen.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
When I got home, a letter had arrived.
This is a discovery sequence, so fits well.
、。
When I got home, a letter had arrived.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: When I got home, a letter had arrived.
Showing Reading strategy: Everyday words.
More examples: a discovery and a regular result
Target signal
、。
When I got home, a letter had arrived.
This is a discovery sequence, so fits well.
Vocabulary notes
- 手紙
- letter
Preview
、。
When it is cold, my hands start to hurt.
This is a repeated natural result, so fits well.
Vocabulary notes
- 寒い
- cold (weather)
- が
- subject marker
Section 4 of 4
Compare the meaning
Your goal: decide when each request should happen. Compare the two sentences, then make a choice.
Sentence A
、。
Sentence B
、。
Your turn · decide before revealing
Which request can you act on before arriving at the station?
More detail: why the timing changes
Same trip: 、。／、。 Which contrast fits?
takes the trip as context.
makes completed arrival the trigger for the request.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
One request helps you prepare; the other waits for you to arrive.
The first speaker responds to your plan. The second speaker makes reaching the station the trigger for a call.
、。
If you are going to the station, please check the tickets.
Ask whether the advice uses a plan as context or requires an event to finish first.
Showing Plan or completed arrival: Everyday words.