and
Verb ます stem +
This structure uses verbs in their ます stem (the form before adding ます) paired with the verb する (to do) to illustrate that sometimes one action occurs, and sometimes another occurs. It highlights opposing or varying actions.
Verb ます stem
Attach
歌い
Sometimes I sing, and sometimes I dance.
怒り
Sometimes they get angry, and sometimes they laugh.
This construction emphasizes that both actions are typical examples of what happens. It is commonly used to show a range of behavior. The final する dictates the tense of the sentence.
Noun +
This formation lists nouns as typical examples to show that multiple different situations, items, or activities exist or happen. The first verb is conjugated into the conditional
Nouns with Existence Verbs (ある / いる)
Using verbs of existence like ある (for inanimate objects) or いる (for living things) shows that a group contains a variety of different types.
高いワイン
There are expensive wines, and there are cheap wines.
男の人
There are some men, and there are some women.
Nouns with Action Verbs
When combined with action verbs, the particle
本
Sometimes I read books, and sometimes I watch TV.
海へ
Sometimes we go to the ocean, and sometimes we go to the mountains.
When listing objects or subjects, the particle
Adjective +
This structure lists typical states or conditions, often using verbs like なる (to become) or ある (to exist), to show that a situation fluctuates between different descriptive states.
い-Adjective
Change the final い of the adjective to く, then attach
暑く
Sometimes it gets hot, and sometimes it gets cold.
大きく
Some are large, and some are small.
な-Adjective
Attach に to the stem of the な-adjective, then add
静かに
Sometimes it becomes quiet, and sometimes it becomes lively.
便利に
Sometimes it becomes convenient, and sometimes it becomes inconvenient.
The adjectives chosen for this pattern are usually contrasting opposites (such as hot and cold, or quiet and lively) to emphasize the varying nature of the subject or situation.