・
こんにちは！

今日からは比較について説明していきます。
比較をマスターすると、かなり奥が深い表現ができるようになります。

洋書を読んでいるとかなりの頻度で比較表現が出てきます。
英文をスラスラ読むことに憧れている人は、是非とも比較をマスターしましょう。

今日は、原級比較の基本についてざっくり説明します。

【原級比較 as ~ as】

原級比較は、「A as 形容詞/副詞 as B」で
「AはBと同じくらい〜」の意味を表します。

[例1]
Linda is as smart as Michel.

リンダはミシェルと同じくらい頭がいい

[例2]
John speaks English as fluently as a native speaker.

ジョンはネイティブスピーカーと同じくらい流暢に英語を話す

例1では形容詞のsmartが使われています。
動詞がBe動詞なので、後ろに形容詞がきているわけですね。
文型は第2文型のSVCで、”smart”がC（補語）になります。

例2では、asの前で第3文型SVOが完成しています。
なので、asの後ろには副詞の”fluently”がきています。
なのでas以降は副詞扱いになります。

また、以下のように、比較対象の後ろの動詞は省略されています。
省略されずに出てくることもあるので注意しましょう。

[例1′]
Linda is as smart as Michel (is).

[例2′]
John speaks English as fluently as a native speaker (does).

【否定形 not as ~ as】

否定形にすると、”not as ~ as …”の形になり、
「…ほど〜ではない」という意味になります。

[例3]
He doesn’t work as diligently as Lisa.

彼はリサほど勤勉に働かない。

また、この否定のパターンでよくあるのが、
「主語と比較対象が同じ」パターンです。

[例4]
He doesn’t work as diligently as he used to.

彼は以前（の彼）ほど勤勉に働かない。

世の中、「同じ」を表すことより「違い」を表すことの方が多いのではないでしょうか。
実は原級比較も、否定語を伴って使われることがかなり多いです。
是非とも否定の原級比較を使いこなせるようになりましょう。

【as ~ as … の考え方】

“as ~ as …”の文を、言葉の塊ごとに区切ってみましょう。

Linda is / as smart / as Michel (is).

それぞれのasが接着剤の役割をしているとイメージするとわかりやすいかもしれません。個人的に、以下のように2つのasで形容詞/副詞を囲むという考え方はお勧めしません。

△Linda is / as smart as / Michel (is).

そもそもasには、比較の時だけではなく接着剤的な用法があり、そのイメージの延長として捉えると比較表現がすっと腑に落ちてくるようになると思います。

たとえば、”when”のような意味を持つ”as”があります（同時性のas）
このasは「〜している時」「〜するとすぐに」の意味を持ち、
asを介した前後の時間が「同じ」であることを表しています。

[例5]
A strange man spoke to me as I entered the room.

部屋に入るとすぐに、見知らぬ男が話しかけてきた

もちろん、”as”は同時性や同格を表すような意味ばかりではなく、理由や逆接を表すこともあるので一概には言えませんが、”as”を接着剤のように理解するのは同格を理解する上で助けになると思います。

本日はas ~ as … の原級比較について説明しました。

それではまた来週！

Hello there, I hope you are doing well.

Happy 2021! Unfortunately, the year has already started facing a lot of terrible news from several parts of the world. Let’s start with local news.

https://japantoday.com/category/national/Suga-to-declare-state-of-emergency-for-Tokyo-3-neighboring-prefectures-on-Thursday-night-until-Feb-7

Before 2020 ended, PM Suga has announced stricter rules with regard to incoming travelers. Only those from selected countries can enter the country AND they must either have a permanent or a working VISA. From tonight onward, Tokyo, together with other neighboring cities, are again, under a state of emergency. This state of emergency is less strict compared to the one last year, however, shops and restaurants are asked to close at 8 PM. Also, schools and universities are not asked to close. According to this news website, those who will follow would be able to receive a compensation of up to 60,000 yen, and those who don’t will be publicly announced. What do you think of the PM’s current decision?

ー初めにー

Today’s Fill-In-The-Blanks Quiz: 

Here’s last week’s song:

(Fast forward to 0:09)

A little chance encounter, Could be the one you’ve waited for

Just squeeze a bit more

Tonight we’re on a mission, tonight’s the casting call

If this is the real audition, oh, God, help us all

Here’s this week’s song:

(Fast forward to 02:30)

I _____, too slow; Out of the door to your house

I ____ you ____; That this way _____ me out

Outside, too ______; You’re ________ I’m without

You’re _______

ー続いてー

Today’s Youtube Recommendation:

For today, my recommendation is a channel called “JCS – Criminal Psychology”. This video has easy to moderate vocabulary, but the speaking speed is natural, so it is quite fast. I suggest going through the difficult parts several times to be able to understand completely what they’re saying. In this channel, the narrator talks about different convicted people who are guilty of varying crimes. It talks about their interview, different verbal  and non-verbal cues, mannerisms, etc. It’s very interesting, especially because you get to understand how different people communicate when they feel guilty or anxious.

This is what I most recently saw:

Good luck!

ー最後にー

Today’s Column:

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/jan/06/capitol-mob-police-trump-george-floyd-protests-photos

This just in, a lot of Trump supporters have breached privacy by forcefully going in The Capitol, which is the meeting place of the US’ legislative branch. The reason for their action is because they don’t believe in the election results. Instead, they believe that the results were unfair and unjust. This link shows the distinction/differences between the protest that happened earlier today and the one for Black Lives Matter back in June. There are pictures on the link showing how the government has treated the two protests differently. What do you think?

Remember to take care of yourself and stay safe.

Ryo

・
明けましておめでとうございます！
本年もよろしくお願いいたします。

新年一発目ですので、いつもの文法ブログとは少し趣向を変えて、エリッククラプトンの“Tears In Heaven”の歌詞を取り上げてみようと思います。

息子を亡くした悲しみと向き合う歌詞で、
Aメロに仮定法過去の表現が出てきます。
今回はAメロとBメロの歌詞をピックアップしました。

Tears In Heaven
Eric Clapton

Would you know my name
if I saw you in heaven?
Would it be the same
if I saw you in heaven?

I must be strong and carry on
‘cause I know I don’t belong
here in heaven

Would you hold my hand
if I saw you in heaven?
Would you help me stand
if I saw you in heaven?

I’ll find my way
through night and day
‘cause I know I just can’t stay
here in heaven

天国にいる君に会ったら
君は僕の名前を覚えているだろうか？
天国にいる君に会ったら
君はあの頃と同じ姿だろうか？

僕は強くなって、これからも人生を続けていかなくてはいけない
だから、天国は僕の居る場所ではないんだ

天国にいる君に会ったら
君は僕の手を握ってくれるだろうか？
天国にいる君に会ったら
君は僕を支えてくれるだろうか？

僕は自分の進む道を見つけるよ
昼も夜も
だから、僕は天国に居ることはできないんだ

1番2番ともにAメロの”Would you~?”から、Bメロの”I must~”、”I’ll~”へ、
助動詞が過去形から現在形に変わっていきます。
ここがこの曲の歌詞のポイントです。

Aメロは仮定法で、「もしも天国の君に会えたら」と、悲しみを引きずっています。
一転、Bメロでは直説法になり、現実に立ち向かっていきます。
この対比が、この曲のなんとも言えない切なさを作り出しています。

「天国の息子に会えたら」という思いにとらわれているAメロ、悲しみから一歩踏み出し、天国の息子に優しく語りかけるように、「僕はまだそちらには行けないんだ」と歌うBメロ、いつ聴いても涙腺が緩みます。

去年はコロナで大変な一年でしたが、まだウイルスの脅威は続くみたいですね。
感染対策、気を引き締めていきましょう！

May this year be wonderful one for you!

Hello there, I hope you are doing well.

Last week of 2020 and the new year is here.

Any plans for your winter vacation?

https://japantoday.com/category/national/Japan-to-suspend-new-entry-of-all-nonresident-foreign-nationals-from-abroad

After the recent news about a new variant (変種) of the Coronavirus, Japan has decided to suspend entries from a number of countries. This will be effective from December 28 to late January, and in addition, Japan will also implement stricter rules with testing for COVID-19 for people entering the country. However, foreigners holding a resident VISA and people from Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, and Taiwan are exempted from this ban.

ー初めにー

Today’s Fill-In-The-Blanks Quiz: 

Here’s last week’s song:

(Fast forward to 1:44)

But hearts are breaking, the wars are raging on

And I have taken my glasses off

You got me nervous, and you’re turning it into a joke

A half empty girl; Don’t make me laugh, I’ll….

Here’s this week’s song:

(From one of my favorite movies!)

(Fast forward to 0:09)

A little _____ encounter, Could be the one you’ve ______ for

Just ________ a bit more

_______ we’re on a mission, tonight’s the _______ call

If this is the real ________, oh, God, help us all

ー続いてー

Today’s Youtube Recommendation:

From this week onwards, I’ll be introducing a new segment in my blog posts. It’s undeniable that Youtube is a big and major part of language learning nowadays and their services are getting better, as some channels and videos on that platform are now offering translations. So, every week, I’ll be recommending Youtube channels that offer different topics. 

For this week, it’s a channel called “Cinema Summary”. I am a fan of movies and this channel discusses and explains different horror movies. I hate bloody scenes and horror movies, in general, so by watching this channel instead, it helps me find out what a specific movie is about and why it’s good.

This is what I most recently saw:

Good luck!

ー最後にー

Today’s Column:

https://www.npr.org/2020/12/25/950265385/photos-christmas-around-the-world

For today’s international news, I decided to show this lighthearted article simply because Christmas happened just a few days ago. Christmas is widely celebrated all over the world and this article shows photos of how people celebrated. It’s interesting to see that people still try to see things positively, despite what’s happening in the world.

Remember to take care of yourself and stay safe.

Ryo

・
こんにちは！

前回は、仮定法の基本について解説しました。

本日は仮定法の倒置と、were to / shouldをif節に用いた仮定法について解説します。

【ifの省略（倒置）】

以下のように仮定法の文は、if節と帰結節の組み合わせが基本でした。

[例文1]
If I were president, I couldn’t stand up to its heavy responsibility.

「もし私が大統領だったら、その責任の重さに耐えられないだろう」

上記のような仮定法の文は、Ifを抜いて主語と動詞を倒置することがあります。
特に書き言葉でよくみられます。

[例文1]
Were I president, I couldn’t stand up to its heavy responsibility.

「もし私が大統領だったら、その責任の重さに耐えられないだろう」

[例文2]
Had I stayed at home on that day, I would have been crushed under the collapsed house.
(=If I had stayed at home on that day, ~)

「その日家にいたら、倒壊した家に押しつぶされていただろう。」

ルールとして、語順を倒置可能なのはif節の動詞が”were””had””should”のみなので気をつけましょう。

※shouldの倒置例については次の次の項参照

【if節に”were to”】

if節が“If S were to V”となると、特別なニュアンスが付加されます。
まず一つ目は、可能性が限りなく低いことを仮想して、”それが起こったらこうなる”というニュアンスです。

[were to 1 /　可能性が限りなく低い]

＊例文
If all the human were to disappear suddenly, what would the world change?

「もしすべての人間が突然姿を消したとしたら、世界はどう変わるでしょうか？」

二つ目は、“If you were to V”の形で、丁寧なお願いのニュアンスになります。

これは1の可能性が限りなく低いニュアンスを考えてみるとわかると思いますが、相手が「お願いをきいてくれる」ことを当たり位前と考えておらず、「もしも（万が一）やってくれるのであれば」というニュアンスになり、丁寧になります。

[were to 2 / 丁寧なお願い]

＊例1
If you were to come to see my son, he would be very happy.

「もしあなたが私の息子に会いに来てくれたら、息子は大喜びでしょう」

＊例2
We would be very helpful if you were donate some money.

「幾らかお金を寄付してくだされば、とても助かります」

【if節に”should”】

if節にshouldが入った形は、「万一〜ならば」という推量のニュアンスが加わります。

なお、shouldはshallの過去形ですので、「If S should V（原形）」で仮定法過去として機能します。

[例1]
if you should change your mind, you could contact us anytime.

「もし（万が一）気が変わったら、いつでもご連絡ください」

[例2]
If you should die, I couldn’t bear with the sorrow.

「（万が一）あなたが死んだら、悲しくて耐えられないでしょう」

[should 倒置の例]
Your family would be compensated by the insurance should anything happen to you.

「（万が一）あなたに何かがあった場合、ご家族は保険によって補償を受けられます」

【shouldとwere toのニュアンスの違い】

共に可能性の低いニュアンスを与える”were to”と”should”のニュアンスの違いについて説明します。

一言で言うと、”should”より”were to”の方が限りなく可能性が低いです。

たとえば、「もし太陽がある日消滅したら」や先ほどの例の「全ての人間が消えたら」は起こる可能性は限りなく低いです。ほぼあり得ないですよね。このような場合はwere toを使います。

shouldの場合は、例を見てもわかるとおり、まだ「ありうる」範囲での「万が一」なのがわかると思います。たとえば「あなたが死んだら」や「気が変わったら」は、可能性は低くても現実の生活の中で起こりうることですよね。

本日は倒置と”were to” “should”について説明しました。

それではまた！

Hello there, I hope you are doing well.

A new update regarding the Go To Campaign has been released.

Read what’s below to find out more!

https://japantoday.com/category/national/Japan-to-suspend-Go-To-Travel-campaign-for-whole-country-from-Dec-28-Jan-11

Following the latest news regarding the exclusion (排除) of Sapporo and Osaka from the Go To Campaign, the government now plans on suspending the whole campaign entirely from the 28th of December to the 11th of January. As the country is facing its third wave, local government officials have encouraged establishments to close earlier than usual, as well. Traveling within the country isn’t banned, but highly discouraged.

ー初めにー

Today’s Fill-In-The-Blanks Quiz:

Here’s last week’s song:

(Fast forward to 1:24)

One thousand tired people all scattered like rats

And there’s a drunk man sleeping in a pile of trash

He hears the sounds of karaoke and a Mercedes Benz

He wakes up and checks his reflection in a broken glass

Here’s this week’s song:

(Fast forward to 1:44)

But _____ are breaking, the ____ are raging on

And I have_____ my glasses off

You got me ________, and you’re turning it into a ____

A half empty ____; Don’t make me laugh, I’ll….

ー続いてー

Today’s Idiom:

“rose-colored glasses”

This is not a common metaphor (隠喩), but it’s quite interesting! This phrase means “to look at something optimistically”. Something that would be great for all of us to do, especially during the situation we’re facing. For me, this song helps me see the world through rose-colored glasses:

Just be careful with how you use it or how others use it because it could also be meant negatively or sarcastically (冷笑的)

Here’s a sample dialogue:

A: Looking at the break-up through rose-colored glasses, I can finally do what I love again. Like playing tennis and baking…

B: Yeah, I agree! You can also start playing video games again!

A: Oh, no.. we used to play video games together! I miss her now!

I hope this helps!

ー最後にー

Today’s Column:

https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20201216-how-tiktok-changed-the-world-in-2020

No one can disregard the fact that the phone application, “TikTok” has significantly played  a huge role in 2020. Perhaps the Coronavirus has helped it become more popular. It has made a lot of people turn into content creators, and businesses advertise their products. It has also become famous because of its feud against the US and how it’s against their online privacy rules. Do you agree or disagree with this?

Remember to take care of yourself and stay safe.

Ryo

Hello there, I hope you are doing well.

A few more weeks until Christmas! Do you have any plans for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day?

https://japantoday.com/category/sports/japan-pledges-support-to-vaccinate-tokyo-olympic-athletes

Let’s start today’s article with an update regarding the Olympics. The government has pledged/promised to vaccinate athletes, volunteers and the staff members who will come and help with the Olympics. It’s a good initiative to help the participants and the audience feel safer. However, it’s been a concern of those who have read this news that the government will use tax money for the vaccines. What’s your opinion about this?

ー初めにー

Today’s Fill-In-The-Blanks Quiz:

Here’s last week’s song:

(Fast forward to 0:19)

Oh tell me, tell me, tell me how to turn your love on

You can get anything that you want

Baby, just shout it out, shout it out

Baby, just shout it out

Here’s this week’s song:

(Fast forward to 1:24)

One thousand____ people all scattered like ____

And there’s a drunk man ______ in a pile of trash

He hears the sounds of karaoke and a ________ ____

He wakes up and checks his reflection in a _____ glass

ー続いてー

Today’s Idiom:

“break a leg”

It’s a very common phrase that is used now by a lot of native speakers! It means, “good luck”! The reason why is because people believe it’s bad luck to tell someone “good luck” or something like that because it would make the other person feel pressured and nervous, so in replacement, they choose a phrase that would sound bad, but the intention is good.

Here’s a sample dialogue:

A: I’m going to deliver a presentation to foreign investors next week!

B: Don’t worry, have enough rest, and break a leg!

A: Thanks! I’ll stay at home this weekend to work more on my presentation notes!

This phrase is more casual than formal and here’s a visual video explanation of the phrase:

I hope this helps!

ー最後にー

Today’s Column:

https://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-55222730

Before the year ends, let’s look back at the winners of the Earth Photo competition. These are photos taken all over the world and they look really mesmerizing. It’s nice to be reminded that the world we live in, despite the problems, is beautiful. My favorite photo is the old man looking at the distance. I just love the colors and the composition of the photo! What’s your favorite?

Remember to take care of yourself and stay safe.

Ryo

・
こんにちは！

前回は関係副詞のwhenとwhereについて説明しました。
今日は残りのwhyと、how、thatについて説明します！

【関係副詞 why】

関係副詞whyは、理由を表すthe reasonが先行詞の時に用います。

The reason why I came to the classroom is to submit the form.

「私が教室に来た理由は、書類を提出するためです」

[whyの省略]

1、上記のwhyは省略可能です。
むしろ省略することの方が多いです。

The reason I came to the classroom is to submit the form.

「私が教室に来た理由は、書類を提出するためです」

2、”That is the reason why ~”の形になる時は、reasonの方が省略されることが多いです。

That’s why I love her.

「そういう理由で、私は彼女を愛しています」

【関係副詞 how】

関係副詞howは、先行詞がthe wayの時に使い、「どのようにして」といった、方法や様態を表します。

しかし、このhowと先行詞the wayは一緒に使わず、常にどちらか一方を使います。
“the way how ~” の形には出来ないので注意しましょう。

[how]
Do you know how the final game ended?

「どのように決勝戦が終わったのか知っていますか？」

[the way]
This is the way you should knit a sweater.

「このようにしてセーターを編めばいい」

【関係副詞 that】

関係副詞thatは、when, where, why, howの代わりに使えます。
このthatは省略することが多いです。

[whenの代わり]

I still remember my first heartbreak 10 years ago (that) I was a high school student.

「私は10年前の、高校生の頃の最初の失恋のことをいまだに覚えています」

[whereの代わり]

anywhereやnowhere, the placeが先行詞の時に用いられます。

All the rooms in the hotel are occupied, there was nowhere (that) we can stay.

「ホテルの部屋は全て埋まっており、私たちが泊まれる場所はなかった」

[whyの代わり]

The reason (that) the strategy didn’t work was to be failed to do it thoroughly.

「その戦略がうまく上手くいかなかった理由は、それを徹底して実行できなかったからです」

[howの代わり]

thatは先行詞the wayの後ろにつけられます。

It is important to find the way (that) both of us have benefits.

「お互いにとって利益になる方法を見つけることが重要だ」

本日は関係副詞why how thatについて説明しました。

それではまた！

Hello there, I hope you are doing well.

It’s alarming that the number of confirmed cases have now gone up to at least 500.

Please be careful!

https://japantoday.com/category/national/nike-commercial-addresses-bullying-and-racism-in-japan-riles-up-debate-online

This week’s article is a bit of a controversial one. It’s been talked about a lot in the past few days because Nike, a sports company, has tackled a timely issue that not only Japan, but the world is facing. It’s about racism and how people affected by it, should not wait for things to get better, but instead do something to better their lives. I think it sends a positive image, but as you may see in the Youtube video, it has garnered a lot of dislikes. This is the video, in case you’re wondering:

ー初めにー

Today’s Fill-In-The-Blanks Quiz:

Here’s last week’s song:

(Fast forward to 0:47)

Do you got plans tonight ?

I’m a thousand hundred miles from Japan and I

And I was thinking if I could fly to your hotel tonight

Cause I can’t get you off my mind

Here’s this week’s song:

(Fast forward to 0:19)

Oh tell me, tell me, tell me how to ____ your love on

You can get _________ that you want

Baby, just _____ it out, _____ it out

Baby, just _____ it out

ー続いてー

Today’s Idiom:

“worth the wait”

This phrase is used when you have something that’s really good, but it took a long time for you to have it. Think of waiting in line for a good restaurant, or waiting for your favorite game/movie/album to be released.

Here’s a sample dialogue:

A: I’ve been waiting in line for 2 hours! I can’t wait to try the new ramen restaurant!

B: Wow, I’m sorry for having to make you wait! Here, have some kairo!

A: It’s alright, I just know that it will be worth the wait once we sit and eat this restaurant’s ramen!

This phrase can be used in both formal and casual situations and for additional help, here’s a video of the same idiom explained in a simpler way:

I hope this helps!

ー最後にー

Today’s Column:

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-55155217

This is a bit of a new piece of information for me. I didn’t know that South Korea’s placement tests, or CSAT are being prepared for by students for a long time. Unfortunately, due to the current pandemic, everyone is worried about adding more pressure to getting good scores. Let me know what you think of it. The article itself doesn’t have a lot of difficult words, so let it be a challenge and read it!

Remember to take care of yourself and stay safe.

Ryo