Japanese JLPT Grammar Point
Verbる ことのないように (Verb-ru koto no nai you ni)

Verbる ことのないように (Verb-ru koto no nai you ni)

Short explanation:

Expresses the desire to avoid or prevent a certain action; 'so as not to', 'to avoid'.

Formation:

Verb-る + ことのないように

Examples:

車をなくすことのないように、駐車場に車をロックしましょう。
Kuruma wo nakusu koto no nai you ni, chuushajou ni kuruma wo rokku shimashou.
In order not to lose the car, let's lock it at the parking lot.
風邪を引くことのないように、手をよく洗いましょう。
Kaze wo hiku koto no nai you ni, te wo yoku araimashou.
To avoid catching a cold, you should wash your hands well.
試験に落ちることのないように、毎日勉強しましょう。
Shiken ni ochiru koto no nai you ni, mainichi benkyou shimashou.
In order not to fail the exam, let's study every day.
間違いをすることのないように、仕事を慎重に行いましょう。
Machigai wo suru koto no nai you ni, shigoto wo shinchou ni okonaimashou.
So as not to make mistakes, let's perform our work cautiously.

Long explanation:

The 〜Verbる ことのないように grammar point is used to express an intention or effort to prevent a certain action from happening. It is translated as 'so as not to', 'in order not to', 'to avoid'. This statement expresses the idea of avoiding the situation described in the verb.

Detailed Grammar notes:

Processing keyword: Verbる ことのないように (Verb-ru koto no nai you ni)

Japanese Grammar Point: Verbる ことのないように (Verb-ru koto no nai you ni)

「Verbることのないように」Grammar Lesson

1. Introduction

Welcome to today's Japanese grammar lesson! In this lesson, we'll explore the grammar point 「Verbることのないように」 (Verb-ru koto no nai you ni). This structure is commonly used to express doing something to prevent an undesirable action from happening. Let's dive in and learn how to use it effectively in various contexts.


2. Core Grammar Explanation

Meaning

The expression 「Verbることのないように」 is used to convey the meaning of:

  • "So as not to [Verb]"
  • "In order not to [Verb]"
  • "To avoid [Verb]-ing" It indicates taking precautions or making efforts to prevent something from occurring.

Structure

Formation:

Verb (Dictionary Form) + ことのないように
食べる (taberu) + ことのないように

Breakdown:

  • Verbる: The dictionary (plain present) form of a verb.
  • ことのないように: A fixed phrase meaning "so as not to [Verb]".

Detailed Explanation

  • Use the dictionary form of the verb (e.g., 食べる, 行く, 忘れる).
  • Attach ことのないように directly after the verb.
  • The entire expression emphasizes preventing the action denoted by the verb. Example Pattern:
  • Verbることのないように、[action/precaution].

3. Comparative Analysis

Similar Grammar Points

Grammar Point Meaning Usage Example
Verbないように So that [Verb] does not happen 忘れないように、メモする。
Verbることがないように So as not to [Verb]; similar meaning 忘れることがないように、メモする。
Verbないようにする Make an effort not to [Verb] 遅れないようにする。

Differences and Nuances

  • Verbないように uses the negative form of the verb, while Verbることのないように uses the affirmative dictionary form followed by ことのないように.
  • Verbることのないように often sounds more formal and emphasizes the preventative measure being taken.
  • Verbないようにする focuses on the subject's effort to prevent the action.

4. Examples in Context

Example Sentences

  1. 忘れることのないように、メモしてください。 Wasureru koto no nai you ni, memo shite kudasai. Please take notes so that you don't forget.
  2. 事故を起こすことのないように、安全運転を心がけましょう。 Jiko o okosu koto no nai you ni, anzen unten o kokorogakemashou. Let's drive safely to avoid causing accidents.
  3. 試験に遅れることのないように、早めに家を出ました。 Shiken ni okureru koto no nai you ni, hayame ni ie o demashita. I left home early to avoid being late for the exam.
  4. トラブルになることのないように、契約書をよく読んでください。 Toraburu ni naru koto no nai you ni, keiyakusho o yoku yonde kudasai. Please read the contract carefully to avoid any trouble.
  5. 誤解を招くことのないように、はっきり説明します。 Gokai o maneku koto no nai you ni, hakkiri setsumei shimasu. I'll explain clearly to avoid causing misunderstandings.

Contextual Notes

  • Formal Situations: This structure is often used in formal writing, speeches, and polite requests.
  • Precautionary Actions: The sentences typically involve taking action to prevent negative outcomes.

5. Cultural Notes

Cultural Relevance

  • Emphasis on Harmony: Japanese culture places great importance on harmony and avoiding conflict. Using expressions like 「ことのないように」 reflects a desire to prevent issues before they arise.
  • Consideration for Others: It shows consideration and responsibility, aligning with social norms of being mindful of one's actions.

Levels of Politeness and Formality

  • Formal Expression: This grammar point is considered formal and is appropriate for official communications, business settings, and polite conversations.
  • Avoid in Casual Speech: In casual conversations, simpler expressions like 「ないように」 might be more common.

Idiomatic Expressions

While 「Verbることのないように」 is itself a set phrase, it is often used in idiomatic expressions related to caution and prevention.

6. Common Mistakes and Tips

Error Analysis

  • Incorrect Verb Form: Using the negative form of the verb mistakenly.
    • Incorrect: 忘れないことのないように
    • Correct: 忘れることのないように
  • Overusing in Casual Contexts: Using this formal expression in casual settings may sound out of place.

Learning Strategies

  • Remember the Structure: Associate ことのないように with prevention, and remember it follows the dictionary form of the verb.
  • Create Your Own Sentences: Practice by writing sentences about daily activities you want to ensure don't lead to negative outcomes.
  • Visual Aid:
    [Verb (Dictionary Form)] + ことのないように + [Action/Advice]
    

7. Summary and Review

Key Takeaways

  • 「Verbることのないように」 is used to express taking measures to prevent something undesirable from happening.
  • It combines the dictionary form of a verb with the phrase ことのないように.
  • The structure is formal and suitable for polite speech and writing.

Quick Recap Quiz

  1. Fill in the blank with the correct form: 事故を起こす ________、安全運転してください。 Answer: ことのないように
  2. True or False: The verb before ことのないように should be in its negative form. Answer: False (It should be in the dictionary form)
  3. Translate into Japanese using 「ことのないように」: "I check my work carefully so as not to make mistakes." Answer: ミスをすることのないように、注意深く仕事を確認します。

Congratulations on completing the lesson! Keep practicing to solidify your understanding of 「Verbることのないように」.

Additional Exercises

Practice Creating Sentences

Try crafting your own sentences using 「Verbることのないように」:

  1. Using the verb 失礼する (to be rude): Answer Example: 失礼することのないように、言葉遣いに気をつけます。
  2. Using the verb 倒れる (to collapse): Answer Example: 倒れることのないように、健康に注意しています。

Feel free to share your sentences with peers or teachers for feedback!

hanabira.org

Ace your Japanese JLPT N5-N1 preparation.

Disclaimer

Public Alpha version Open Source (GitHub). This site is currently undergoing active development. You may (will) encounter bugs, inconsistencies, or limited functionality. Lots of sentences might not sound natural. We are progressively addressing these issues with native speakers.


花びら散る

夢のような跡

朝露に

Copyright 2025 @hanabira.org