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Linking Together Two (or more) Activities Using the Te-Form

Sequential Linking​

To describe a sequence of events (I did this, then I did that and then I did this other thing), you can use the te-form.

When constructing a sentence like this, the final verb is conjugated to provide the tense of the sentence, leaving you hanging in tense-less suspense until the very end.

Examples​

  • テニスをして、映画を見て、日本酒を飲んだ。
    I played tennis, watched a film and then drank sake.

  • テニスをして、映画を見て、日本酒を飲む。
    I will play tennis, watch a film and then drink sake.

Indirect Linkage​

In the examples above, the te-form is used to mean I did this, then I did that, in an ordered list of the events that took place in your day.

However, the te-form can also be used to link verbs/sentences more indirectly.

In English, this would be the difference between saying 'I take the train. I go to work' and 'I take the train to work'. Learning this use of the te-form will help you to speak Japanese in a more fluid and eloquent way.

  • 電車に乗って、会社に行きます
    I caught the train to work.

Example Sentences​

  • 笑って、泣いて、感動した映画
    A movie that makes you laugh, cry and is impressive.

  • カラオケに行って、ストレス発散しよう。
    Let's go to karaoke to release stress.