just keeps, being inclined to ..., tending to be ..., tending to do ..., continuously ..., just keeps on ...ing, only
Verb Dictionary Form +
This grammar point is used to describe a situation that is continuously changing or moving in a single direction. It often carries a nuance that the change is unstoppable or accelerating, and is frequently used for negative trends, though it can also describe neutral or positive ones.
Verb
When attached to the dictionary form of a verb, it indicates that the action or state is steadily progressing in one direction.
学生の数は減る
The number of students keeps on decreasing.
野菜の値段は上がる
The price of vegetables just keeps on rising.
This expression is primarily used with verbs that describe a change of state, such as 'to increase', 'to decrease', or 'to worsen'. It is not typically used with verbs that describe a completed action or a static state.
Noun / Adjective Stem + の
When used with nouns or the stems of adjectives, this grammar point indicates a continuous tendency or a state that is increasingly leaning toward a certain quality.
Adjective
Used with adjectives to show a trend of a specific quality increasing.
仕事は忙しくなる
The work is just getting busier and busier.
Noun
Used with nouns that imply a process or change to show that the process is continuing without stopping.
渋滞は悪化の
The traffic jam is only getting worse.
While less common than the verb formation, this version is used when a noun or adjective inherently describes a direction or a state of change.