[JLPT grammar] How to use te-form as a reason

Today I am going to share the homework correction quoted from my JLPT N4 course!
The student’s sentence is not correct. Can you find the mistake?

 

[Student’s sentence]

あたまがいたくて、帰ってもいいですか。

*帰(かえ)る

 



 

[My correction]

あたまがいたくて、帰ってもいいですか。
→あたまがいたいので、帰ってもいいですか。
Can I go home because I have a headache?

The sentence after a reason “〜て” must be a result, so you can’t say your will, request, or desire.
×〜て、〜てもいいですか can I…
×〜て、〜てください please do…
×〜て、〜たいです want to do…
×〜て、〜ましょう let’s do…
etc.

You can say this with 〜て as a reason;
あたまがいたくて、早く家に帰りました。
I had a headache and went home early.
=As a result of a headache, I went home early.

You should use ので or から if you want to say your will for that reason.
*から is too assertive, I recommend using ので, which sounds more polite.

 

I hope my explanation helps you. 😊

 

In the JLPT course, all lessons come with homework, if you submit your homework, I will reply with corrections.
I can break down the Japanese grammar and point out mistakes, explaining the structure and nuances of Japanese in an easy-to-understand way.
You can also ask me any questions as much as you want. I will teach you until you get it!

 

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