[JLPT grammar] A polite style is not used within quotations

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]

田中さんも来ますと思います。

*たなかさんもきますとおもいます。

 



 

[My correction]

田中さんも来ますと思います。
→田中さんも来(く)ると思います。
I think Tanaka-san will also come.

 

The polite style (来ます) should not be used before 〜と思います; instead, the plain style (来る) is used. Since と in 〜と思います introduces a quotation, a plain style is required. A polite style is not used within quotations.

e.g.
◎スミスさんは日本語が話せると思います。
(×スミスさんは日本語が話せますと思います。)
I think Smith-san can speak Japanese.

 

◎あのかばんは高いと思います。
(×あのかばんは高いですと思います。)
I think that bag is expensive.

 

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!