[JLPT grammar] Why can’t we use しよう and つもり together?

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

 

[Student’s sentence]

来年から中国語を勉強しようつもりです。

*らいねんからちゅうごくごをべんきょうしようつもりです。

 



 

[My correction]

来年から中国語を勉強しようつもりです。
→来年から中国語を勉強するつもりです。
I plan to start studying Chinese next year

しよう is the volitional-form of する and is connected to と思う, meaning “I am thinking to do, I will do”. つもり also means “to intend to do, to plan to do” and using it together with a verb volitional-form would be redundant. So use a verb dictionary-form with つもり.

◎中国語を勉強するつもりです
◎中国語を勉強しようと思っています
×中国語を勉強しようつもりです。

While both express similar meanings, 〜ようと思う implies a more spontaneous intention, while つもり suggests a more concrete plan.

来年から中国語を勉強するつもりです
(I’ll definitely start studying Chinese next year!)

来年から中国語を勉強しようと思っています

(I think I’ll start studying Chinese next year…)

 

 

I hope my explanation helps you. 😊

 

The above correction is just a taste of what my JLPT all-in-one course has to offer (today’s is from the N4).

Our course provides detailed Japanese grammar explanations and personalized feedback on your homework submissions to help you master the language. With homework assignments included in each lesson, you’ll have ample opportunities to practice and improve your skills. Enroll now to receive easy-to-understand support and start your journey towards fluency.

 

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