JLPT N1 reference · Literary and formal patterns
べく
It expresses formal purpose or an action undertaken with a stated aim.
Core meaning and form
Attach べく to the dictionary form; する may become すべく. It is common in written announcements, biographies, and formal argument, not ordinary casual plans.
- Form: Attach べく to the dictionary form; する may become すべく.
- Core use: It expresses formal purpose or an action undertaken with a stated aim.
- Context: It is common in written announcements, biographies, and formal argument, not ordinary casual plans.
Examples in context
問題を解決すべく、調査委員会が設置された。Mondai o kaiketsu subeku, chōsa iinkai ga setchi sareta.An investigative committee was established to solve the problem.
真相を確かめるべく現地へ向かった。Shinsō o tashikameru beku genchi e mukatta.They headed to the site to establish the truth.
目標を達成すべく努力を続けている。Mokuhyō o tassei subeku doryoku o tsuzukete iru.They continue working in order to achieve the goal.
Common errors
- Do not select this pattern from an English translation alone; check its attachment and discourse function.
- Keep the surrounding sentence in a consistent plain, polite, spoken, or written register.
Quick summary
- Attach べく to the dictionary form; する may become すべく.
- It expresses formal purpose or an action undertaken with a stated aim.
- It is common in written announcements, biographies, and formal argument, not ordinary casual plans.