Sequence with て

Core meaning and form

Link verb clauses with the て-form, placing tense and politeness on the final predicate. Use a more explicit connector when the relationship would otherwise be ambiguous.

• Form: Link verb clauses with the て-form, placing tense and politeness on the final predicate.
• Core use: The sequence can express chronological order, manner, cause, or closely connected actions.
• Context: Use a more explicit connector when the relationship would otherwise be ambiguous.

Examples in context

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

• Link verb clauses with the て-form, placing tense and politeness on the final predicate.
• The sequence can express chronological order, manner, cause, or closely connected actions.
• Use a more explicit connector when the relationship would otherwise be ambiguous.