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
Nothing but or mostly
Use noun + and -form + .
Start with the example
。
My younger brother does nothing but play games.
Notice the variation
、。
If you eat nothing but sweet things, it is not good for your health.
More detail: how to apply this
can show that one thing dominates.
It often means “nothing but,” “mostly,” or “always doing the same kind of thing.”
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Use the placement of and the surrounding time frame to identify repeated or dominant behavior.
emphasizes sleep dominating those days. It may be an impression of excessive frequency, rather than a measured claim of uninterrupted sleep.
、。
Recently I have been tired and spend my days off mostly sleeping.
Use the placement of and the surrounding time frame to identify repeated or dominant behavior.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
My younger brother does nothing but play games.
Vocabulary notes
- ゲーム
- game
- しています
- am doing
Compare in context
、。
If you eat nothing but sweet things, it is not good for your health.
Vocabulary notes
- ばかり
- just; only
Compare in context
。
That class has almost only boys.
Vocabulary notes
- クラス
- class
- ばかり
- just; only
- います
- there is; exists (animate)
Section 2 of 4
て-form + ばかりいる
-form +
Start with the example
、。
Do not just keep watching TV; study.
Notice the variation
、。
Even if you do nothing but complain, nothing will change.
More detail: how to apply this
V- emphasizes repeated action and often suggests criticism: someone keeps doing that one thing instead of something else.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Do not just keep watching TV; study.
In this example, the message is: Do not just keep watching TV; study.
、。
Do not just keep watching TV; study.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: Do not just keep watching TV; study.
Showing て-form + ばかりいる: Everyday words.
Target signal
、。
Do not just keep watching TV; study.
Vocabulary notes
- テレビ
- TV; television
- ばかり
- just; only
Preview
、。
Even if you do nothing but complain, nothing will change.
Vocabulary notes
- 言って
- saying and...
- ばかり
- just; only
Preview
、。
Recently I have been tired and spend my days off mostly sleeping.
Section 3 of 4
Reading nuance
Use the placement of and the surrounding time frame to identify repeated or dominant behavior.
Reading nuance
、。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
Recent tiredness gives context for the behavior.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
does not always mean a mathematically exact 100 percent.
It often reflects the speaker’s feeling that something is too frequent or too concentrated in one direction.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
On my days off, I am always at home.
In this example, the message is: On my days off, I am always at home.
。
On my days off, I am always at home.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: On my days off, I am always at home.
Showing Reading nuance: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
。
On my days off, I am always at home.
Vocabulary notes
- ばかり
- just; only
- います
- there is; exists (animate)
Preview
。
He talks only about himself.
Vocabulary notes
- ばかり
- just; only
- します
- do
Preview
、。
This store had nothing but expensive things, so I could not buy anything.
Vocabulary notes
- ばかり
- just; only
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 .
Position matters: noun+ emphasizes concentration;
past clause+ expresses recency.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
Position matters: noun+ emphasizes concentration; past clause+ expresses recency.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: Keeps doing mostly gaming / has just played
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.