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
More common pairs
Learn additional high-frequency verb pairs.
Start with the example
。
The teacher started the class.
Notice the variation
。
The class started.
More detail: how to apply this
This lesson adds pairs that appear often in school, travel, and daily life: / , / , / , / , / .
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Do not infer a responsible person from an intransitive event unless another part of the passage supplies one.
reports the computer breaking. It does not say a particular person broke it, which would require an agentive construction such as .
。
The computer suddenly broke.
Do not infer a responsible person from an intransitive event unless another part of the passage supplies one.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
The teacher started the class.
Vocabulary notes
- 先生
- teacher; instructor; doctor
- 始めました
- started
Compare in context
。
The class started.
Vocabulary notes
- 授業
- class
- が
- subject marker
Compare in context
。
The train stopped at the station.
Vocabulary notes
- 電車
- train
- が
- subject marker
Section 2 of 4
Reading the actor versus the event
Reading the actor versus the event
Start with the example
。
The child dropped the cup.
Notice the variation
。
The cup fell.
More detail: how to apply this
Use the transitive verb when you want to show who caused the action.
Use the intransitive verb when the event itself matters more than the actor.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
The child dropped the cup.
In this example, the message is: The child dropped the cup.
。
The child dropped the cup.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: The child dropped the cup.
Showing Reading the actor versus the event: Everyday words.
Target signal
。
The child dropped the cup.
Vocabulary notes
- 子ども
- child; children
- コップ
- cup; glass
Preview
。
The cup fell.
Vocabulary notes
- コップ
- cup; glass
Preview
。
Someone stopped the bicycle.
Vocabulary notes
- だれか
- someone; somebody
- 自転車
- bicycle
Section 3 of 4
Practical reading patterns
Do not infer a responsible person from an intransitive event unless another part of the passage supplies one.
Practical reading patterns
。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
The computer is the subject undergoing the change.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
In announcements and reports, intransitive forms are common because they sound objective.
In instructions, transitive forms are common because the reader is expected to act.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
The meeting starts in ten minutes.
In this example, the message is: The meeting starts in ten minutes.
。
The meeting starts in ten minutes.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: The meeting starts in ten minutes.
Showing Practical reading patterns: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
。
The meeting starts in ten minutes.
Vocabulary notes
- 会議
- meeting
Preview
。
Please do not park a car here.
Vocabulary notes
- ここに
- here
- ください
- please give; please do
Preview
。
The computer suddenly broke.
Vocabulary notes
- パソコン
- personal computer
- 急に
- suddenly
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 .
The intransitive result state differs from the transitive agentive action.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
The intransitive result state differs from the transitive agentive action.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: Is broken / someone is breaking or damaging it in context
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.