N2 Grammar guide · group 3 of 20
21 grammar points, each with what it means and example sentences.
Practise this group「くせに」 marks a blame/criticism contrast: the first clause creates an expectation, but the second clause goes against it. That negative attitude is why のに-like options are not enough here.
彼は知っているくせに、教えてくれない。
Even though he knows, he won't tell me.
～に～られる (passive) marks the key relationship between the two parts of the sentence. Here, 「に」 matches both the sentence meaning and the completed structure: 先生に注意された。
先生に注意された。
I was warned by the teacher.
～てしまう (passive + regret) marks the key relationship between the two parts of the sentence. Here, 「食べられて」 matches both the sentence meaning and the completed structure: 弟にケーキを食べられてしまった。
弟にケーキを食べられてしまった。
My brother ate my cake (unfortunately).
「食べさせられた」 is the causative-passive form: the subject is made to do something against their will by someone else. It expresses being forced or compelled.
母に野菜を食べさせられた。
I was made to eat vegetables by my mom.
「であるにもかかわらず」 creates a concession: the second clause goes against what the first clause would normally lead you to expect.
彼は社長であるにもかかわらず、給料は安い。
Despite being president, his salary is low.
～により/によって marks the key relationship between the two parts of the sentence. Here, 「により」 matches both the sentence meaning and the completed structure: 台風により、電車が止まった。
台風により、電車が止まった。
Due to the typhoon, trains stopped.
「に関して」 introduces the topic that the following action or statement is about.
この契約の変更に関して、詳しい説明を求めた。
Let's discuss regarding this problem.
「として」 sets the standpoint, role, or standard used to judge the second clause.
奨学金を受ける者として、成績を維持する責任がある。
As a scholarship recipient, one has a responsibility to maintain good grades.
「としては」 sets the viewpoint or standard used to judge the rest of the sentence. Here the phrase before the blank is the standpoint, and the following clause gives the judgment from that standpoint.
私としては、この計画は反対です。
As for me, I oppose this plan.
「にとって」 sets the standpoint, role, or standard used to judge the second clause.
子供にとって、この映画は怖すぎる。
For children, this movie is too scary.
「に対して」 points to the target of an attitude, action, comparison, or contrast. The phrase before it is what the following statement is directed toward.
会社の決定に対して、多くの社員が不満を持っている。
I have a question for the teacher.
～からといって marks the key relationship between the two parts of the sentence. Here, 「からといって」 matches both the sentence meaning and the completed structure: 景気が回復したからといって、給料が上がるとは限らない。
景気が回復したからといって、給料が上がるとは限らない。
Just because the economy has recovered, wages do not necessarily rise.
「でありながら」 connects two contrasting qualities or states that belong to the same subject. The subject simultaneously holds both, which is surprising or ironic.
彼は医者でありながら、病気を治せなかった。
Despite being a doctor, he couldn't cure the illness.
「にしても」 grants a point but keeps the main claim: 'even if A is true, B still holds'. It is softer than たとえ and can also mean 'whether A or B, in either case'.
雨が降るにしても、出かけよう。
Even if it rains, let's go out.
～一方で marks the key relationship between the two parts of the sentence. Here, 「一方で」 matches both the sentence meaning and the completed structure: 物価は上がり続ける一方で、賃金はほとんど動いていない。
物価は上がり続ける一方で、賃金はほとんど動いていない。
Prices keep rising, while on the other hand wages have barely moved.
～反面 marks the key relationship between the two parts of the sentence. Here, 「反面」 matches both the sentence meaning and the completed structure: この投資は利回りが高い反面、元本を失う危険も大きい。
この投資は利回りが高い反面、元本を失う危険も大きい。
This investment has a high yield, but on the other hand the risk of losing the principal is also great.
～をはじめ means 'starting with; including above all'. It presents one representative example and implies others follow. Pattern: N + をはじめ (として/とした).
田中さんをはじめ、チーム全員が受賞式に参加した。
Starting with Tanaka-san, the whole team attended the award ceremony.
～に至る marks the key relationship between the two parts of the sentence. Here, 「に至った」 matches both the sentence meaning and the completed structure: 円安が続き、ついに輸入物価の高騰に至った。
円安が続き、ついに輸入物価の高騰に至った。
The weak yen persisted and things finally reached the point of soaring import prices.
～をめぐって marks the key relationship between the two parts of the sentence. Here, 「をめぐって」 matches both the sentence meaning and the completed structure: 補助金の配分をめぐって、各業界の意見が対立している。
補助金の配分をめぐって、各業界の意見が対立している。
Industry opinions are clashing over the allocation of subsidies.
～に先立って means 'prior to; in advance of'. It emphasises that one action takes place before a main event as a preparation. Pattern: N + に先立って / に先立ち.
試験に先立って、担当者から注意事項が説明された。
Prior to the exam, the person in charge explained the precautions.
～に伴い marks the key relationship between the two parts of the sentence. Here, 「に伴い」 matches both the sentence meaning and the completed structure: 消費税の引き上げに伴い、家計の負担が増している。
消費税の引き上げに伴い、家計の負担が増している。
With the rise in consumption tax, the burden on households is growing.