[JLPT grammar] Using verb+こと, you can describe it more specifically

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]

私の仕事は英語を教えます。

*わたしのしごとはえいごをおしえます。

 



 

[My correction]

私の仕事は英語を教えます。
→ 私の仕事は英語を教えることです
My job is to teach English.

 

「私の仕事 my job」is a noun. If you use 私の仕事 as a topic, the sentence structure should be “A(noun)はB(noun)です:A=B”

However, the B in the sentence is the verb 教えます(to teach);
私の仕事は英語を教えます。
My job teaches English (???)

By using ことです, the verb can be turned into a noun.

Verb[dictionary-form]+こと=a noun
教える+こと= a noun

私の仕事(noun)=英語を教えること(noun)
私の仕事は英語を教えることです。
My job is to teach English.

Using verb+こと, you can describe it more specifically.

e.g.
◎私のしゅみは「ヨガです。」(noun)
My hobby is yoga.

◎私のしゅみは「ヨガをすることです。」(verb+こと)
My hobby is doing yoga.

×わたしのしゅみは「ヨガをします。」(verb only)

 

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 N5).

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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