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
How to build the pattern
Form from plain past verbs and finish the sentence with .
Start with the example
、。
I do things like watch TV and read books.
and are sample actions, and completes the pattern.
Notice the variation
、。
On Sundays I do things like shop and clean.
With verbal nouns, the noun stays visible and the chunk carries the pattern.
More detail: how to apply this
Add to the complete plain past form: →, →, →.
Do not add after an already complete past ending.
The list ends with a form of , which carries the tense: ／.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Read items as examples and use the final form for the tense of the whole list.
gives the list its past tense. The trip included these activities, without saying they were the only activities.
、。
On the trip I did things like ride trains and walk.
Read items as examples and use the final form for the tense of the whole list.
Showing Try this approach: Everyday words.
Target signal
、。
I do things like watch TV and read books.
and are sample actions, and completes the pattern.
Vocabulary notes
- テレビ
- TV; television
Compare in context
、。
On Sundays I do things like shop and clean.
With verbal nouns, the noun stays visible and the chunk carries the pattern.
Vocabulary notes
- 買いもの
- shopping
- したり
- do things like...
- します
- do
Compare in context
、。
On my days off I do things like sleep and listen to music.
The pattern works naturally with everyday free-time actions too.
Vocabulary notes
- します
- do
Section 2 of 4
Representative actions, not full order
Representative actions, not full order
Start with the example
、。
During summer vacation I did things like take pictures and read books.
The pattern lists sample things done during summer vacation.
Notice the variation
、。
On the trip I did things like ride trains and walk.
This sentence suggests a mix of actions on the trip, not a fixed sequence.
More detail: how to apply this
〜 gives examples of what someone did or often does.
It does not promise that the sentence includes every action, and it does not focus on exact order.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
During summer vacation I did things like take pictures and read books.
The pattern lists sample things done during summer vacation.
、。
During summer vacation I did things like take pictures and read books.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: During summer vacation I did things like take pictures and read books.
Showing Representative actions, not full order: Everyday words.
Target signal
、。
During summer vacation I did things like take pictures and read books.
The pattern lists sample things done during summer vacation.
Vocabulary notes
- 夏休み
- summer vacation
Preview
、。
On the trip I did things like ride trains and walk.
This sentence suggests a mix of actions on the trip, not a fixed sequence.
Vocabulary notes
- した
- did
Preview
、。
At home I do things like cook and watch movies.
The listener understands there may be other actions too.
Vocabulary notes
- うち
- home; our place
Section 3 of 4
たり〜たりする vs て-form sequence
Read items as examples and use the final form for the tense of the whole list.
たり〜たりする vs て-form sequence
、。
Step 1 of 3 · Notice the clue
is the past form plus . It names riding a train as one representative activity.
Step 1: Notice the clue
More detail: the reading method
lists representative activities without fixing their order.
The -form can connect a sequence, as in 、, but it also has other uses.
Decide from the whole sentence whether the actions are examples, successive events, or another kind of connection.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
I went to the station and got on the train.
This is a sequence: first go to the station, then get on the train.
、。
I went to the station and got on the train.
Return to the Japanese and locate the words supporting this meaning: I went to the station and got on the train.
Showing たり〜たりする vs て-form sequence: Everyday words.
More examples
Target signal
、。
I went to the station and got on the train.
This is a sequence: first go to the station, then get on the train.
Vocabulary notes
- 電車
- train
Preview
、。
On my day off I did things like read books and listen to music.
This is a sentence because it names examples of what happened on the day off.
Preview
、。
In the morning I ate bread and drank coffee.
The -form gives a straightforward order of two completed actions.
Vocabulary notes
- 食べて
- eat and...
- コーヒー
- coffee
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 activities as examples;
chains actions.
Explain it another way
Try a different way of looking at the same idea.
Same words, two possible interpretations. Which has evidence?
... presents activities as examples; chains actions.
How do these two examples change the meaning?
Supported meaning: Examples of activities / a linked action sequence
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.