Read the whole sentence before choosing a form.

The idea

A dictionary or negative verb plus ように can express an intended result, such as avoiding forgetting. The て-form plus おく marks an action done beforehand in preparation. A verb plus うちに can describe a gradual change during an ongoing activity.

Examples

  • 会議かいぎに間まに合あうように、早はやく家いえを出でます。I leave home early so I can make the meeting.
  • 忘わすれないように、名前なまえをメモします。I write down the name so I do not forget it.
  • 旅行りょこうの前まえに、ホテルを予約よやくしておきます。I book a hotel in advance of the trip.
  • 明日あしたのために、今日きょうのうちに資料しりょうを印刷いんさつしておきます。For tomorrow, I print the materials today in advance.
  • 毎日まいにち練習れんしゅうするうちに、速はやく読よめるようになりました。As I practised every day, I became able to read quickly.
  • 話はなしているうちに、緊張きんちょうがなくなりました。As I talked, my nervousness disappeared.

Read-aloud uses a synthetic Japanese voice available on your device. Voice quality and availability vary; it does not assess your pronunciation.

Watch out

Do not choose by a familiar translation alone: check the form before the blank and the relationship between both clauses. These original questions practise skills; they are not official JLPT items.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the correct answer: 忘わすれない＿＿、名前なまえをメモします。（ように／うちに／ながら）

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    ように

    忘れないように means “so as not to forget”; the note is the means to that goal.

  2. Choose the correct answer: 旅行りょこうの前まえに、ホテルを予約よやくして＿＿。（おきます／あります／みます）

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    おきます

    予約しておきます means booking beforehand as preparation for the trip.

  3. Choose the correct answer: 毎日まいにち練習れんしゅうする＿＿、速はやく読よめるようになりました。（うちに／ためを／まで）

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    うちに

    練習するうちに shows that the ability developed during repeated practice.

Use it today

Choose each form, then explain the clue in the sentence.