Sentence Structure and Cohesion Flashcards

Which form is used to turn a verb into a noun (nominalization) in Japanese?

Answer: Using the dictionary form + こと or の

Verbs are nominalized by adding こと or の after the dictionary form, allowing them to function as nouns in a sentence.

In the structure 〜ことにする, what is the speaker expressing?

Answer: A deliberate decision the speaker has made

〜ことにする expresses a deliberate personal decision, as in deciding to do or not do something.

Which sentence demonstrates correct use of the causative form (〜させる)?

Answer: 先生は学生に本を読ませた

〜させる is the causative form meaning 'to make/let someone do something'; 読ませた means the teacher made/let the student read.

What role does the conjunctive 〜し play when listing multiple reasons?

Answer: It adds multiple reasons or facts cumulatively, often leading to a conclusion

〜し connects multiple supporting reasons or facts in a non-exhaustive list, often building to a conclusion.

In which situation is 〜てくれる used appropriately?

Answer: When someone does something for the speaker (or the speaker's in-group)

〜てくれる describes someone doing something for the benefit of the speaker or those close to the speaker.

Which expression correctly uses 〜どころか to mean 'far from' or 'let alone'?

Answer: 日本語どころか、英語も話せない (Far from Japanese, I can't even speak English)

〜どころか escalates the negation: 'not only can't I do X, I can't even do the easier Y.'

What does 〜にもかかわらず mean and how does it differ from 〜のに?

Answer: 〜にもかかわらず means 'despite' and is more formal; 〜のに is conversational and emotional

〜にもかかわらず is a formal/written expression meaning 'despite' or 'in spite of,' while 〜のに is conversational and carries emotional nuance.