A2 · 初中級 チャプター 8

アイデアを繋げて、一歩進んだ英会話を楽しもう！

7 トータルルール
81 例文
6 分
このチャプターのルール クイック練習

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Transform simple sentences into flowing conversations by linking your thoughts and asking the right questions.

  • Explain the logic behind your actions using 'because' and 'so'.
  • Organize stories and instructions chronologically with transition words.
  • Master complex questions to get specific details about quantity, time, and ownership.
Connect the dots and discover the details.

学べること

基本的な文章はもうバッチリですね！このチャプターでは、単語や短い文を繋げて、より「自然でスムーズな会話」にするためのスキルを磨きます。 まずは、becauseやsoを使って「理由」と「結果」をセットで話す方法を学びます。例えば、友達に「なぜ遅れたのか」を説明したり、自分の気持ちを論理的に伝えたりできるようになりますよ。また、thenやafterを使えば、一日の出来事や料理のレシピを順序立てて話すのも簡単です。 さらに、how much（いくら）やhow long（どのくらい）といった具体的な詳細を尋ねる質問や、whose（誰の）を使った持ち主の確認もマスターします。買い物や旅行中、知りたい情報を正確に手に入れられるようになるのは嬉しいですよね！ このチャプターを終える頃には、あなたの英語は単なる「点」ではなく「線」になり、自分の考えや状況をより詳しく、豊かに伝えられるようになっているはずです。さあ、一緒に新しい表現の扉を開きましょう！

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to explain 'why' something happens using 'because'.
  2. 2
    By the end you will be able to describe the result of an action using 'so'.
  3. 3
    By the end you will be able to sequence a three-step process using 'then', 'next', and 'finally'.
  4. 4
    By the end you will be able to ask for specific information using five different 'how' compounds.

チャプターガイド

Overview

Learning to connect your ideas and ask for specific details is a game-changer for anyone studying A2 English grammar. At this level, you’re moving beyond simple sentences and starting to build more complex thoughts. This chapter is your secret weapon for making your conversations flow naturally, whether you're explaining why you’re happy or asking about a friend’s weekend plans.
Mastering these skills will dramatically improve your ability to communicate clearly and confidently.
We’ll explore how to link causes and effects using words like because and so, making your explanations much easier to follow. You’ll also learn to sequence events with then, next, and finally, which is perfect for telling stories or giving instructions. Plus, we'll equip you with the tools to ask all sorts of how questions – how much, how many, how often, how long, how old – and find out whose something belongs to.
By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to express your thoughts with greater precision and get all the information you need, making your English connecting ideas and asking for details much smoother!

How This Grammar Works

These grammar points work together to help you build bridges between your ideas and gather more information. Let's start with explaining *why* things happen. We use because to give a reason: *I stayed home because it was raining.* The part after because explains the first part.
On the other hand, so shows a result: *It was raining, so I stayed home.* Here, the rain is the cause, and staying home is the result. Notice how because explains *why* the first thing happened, and so explains *what* happened *as a result* of the first thing.
When you're telling a story or explaining a process, you need to put events in order. That's where then, next, and finally come in handy. You might say: *First, I woke up.
Then, I made breakfast. Next, I went to work. Finally, I relaxed at home.* These words create a clear timeline.
For timing actions related to the future, we use when, before, and after. Remember a key rule here: never use will inside the time clause itself. Always keep it in the present tense, even if the action is in the future.
For example: *I will call you when I arrive home* (not *when I will arrive*).
To get details, we rely on specific question words. How is incredibly versatile: How much for uncountable things (*How much sugar?*), how many for countable things (*How many apples?*), how often for frequency (*How often do you exercise?*), how long for duration (*How long is the movie?*), and how old for age (*How old are you?*). Finally, to find out who owns something, we use whose.
For example, *Whose book is this?* or *Whose car is parked outside?* These questions are essential for understanding the world around you and getting precise information.

Common Mistakes

Learning new grammar often comes with a few common trip-ups. Here are some to watch out for:
  1. 1✗ Using 'will' in a time clause with 'when', 'before', 'after':
✗ *I will call you when I will finish work.*
✓ *I will call you when I finish work.*
Explanation: Even if the action is in the future, the verb in the time clause (after when, before, after) is always in the present simple tense.
  1. 1✗ Confusing 'whose' with 'who's':
✗ *Who's book is this?* (Incorrectly using the contraction for 'who is' or 'who has')
✓ *Whose book is this?*
Explanation: Whose shows possession (belonging to whom), while who's is a contraction for who is or who has.
  1. 1✗ Incorrectly connecting reasons and results, or using 'because' without a full clause:
✗ *It was raining. So I stayed home because.* (Using 'because' without a subject and verb)
✓ *It was raining, so I stayed home.* (Correctly showing result)
✓ *I stayed home because it was raining.* (Correctly giving a reason with a full clause)
Explanation: Because always needs a full clause (subject + verb) to follow it. So introduces the result of a previous cause.

Real Conversations

Here are a few examples of these grammar points in action:

A

A

Hey, Sarah! Are you coming to the movie tonight?
B

B

Oh, I can't, A. I have to work late because my colleague is sick.
A

A

That's a shame! How long is your shift?
B

B

Until 9 PM, so I’ll miss the start. Maybe next week?

---

A

A

This umbrella is great! Whose is it?
B

B

It's mine. I bought it after I got caught in the rain last week.
A

A

Oh, I hate that! How often does it rain here?
B

B

Not too often, but when it rains, it really pours!

---

A

A

What did you do this morning?
B

B

Well, first, I woke up. Then, I had breakfast. Next, I went for a walk. Finally, I read a book for an hour. It was nice!

Quick FAQ

Q

*Can I start a sentence with because in English?*

Yes, you absolutely can! For example: *Because it was raining, I stayed home.* This is perfectly natural, especially when you want to emphasize the reason first. Just make sure to use a comma after the because clause if it comes before the main clause.

Q

*What's the main difference between how many and how much?*

Use how many for things you can count individually (countable nouns), like *apples*, *friends*, *chairs*. Use how much for things you can't count individually (uncountable nouns), like *water*, *money*, *information*.

Q

*Why can't I use 'will' after when or before for future actions?*

In English, time clauses introduced by words like when, before, after, as soon as, until, etc., always use the present simple tense, even if the action they describe is in the future. The future tense goes in the main clause. It's a specific rule for English grammar that helps to clearly separate the main action from the timing of that action.

Q

*Is it always necessary to use then, next, and finally in a specific order?*

While finally usually marks the last item, then and next are often interchangeable to show sequential steps. You can use then multiple times, or next multiple times, but varying them makes your speech sound more natural. The key is to show logical progression.

Cultural Context

Native English speakers use these connecting words and question structures constantly in everyday conversation. They are crucial for clarity. In informal settings, people might sometimes use so to start a sentence as a way of introducing a result or a new topic based on previous information (
So, what are you doing this weekend?
).
While grammatically, because technically needs a full clause, in very informal spoken English, you might hear short, abrupt answers like
Why are you tired?
Because work.
However, for clearer communication and in more formal contexts, always aim for a full clause. Understanding whose and the various how questions is fundamental, as native speakers value getting precise details.

重要な例文 (8)

1

I am hungry `because` I didn't eat breakfast.

朝ごはんを食べなかったから、お腹が空いています。

'Because' を使って理由を述べる
2

`Because` it's cold, you should wear a jacket.

寒いから、ジャケットを着た方がいいよ。

'Because' を使って理由を述べる
3

It was really cold outside, so I wore a thick jacket.

外はとても寒かったので、厚いジャケットを着ました。

結果の接続詞: So (原因と結果)
4

My train was delayed, so I arrived late for my job interview.

電車が遅れたので、就職の面接に遅刻しました。

結果の接続詞: So (原因と結果)
5

First, I open the app. `Next`, I choose my meal. `Finally`, I pay.

まずアプリを開きます。次に、食事を選びます。最後に、支払いをします。

考えを順序立てる：それから、次に、最後に (Then, Next, Finally)
6

We watched the movie. `Then`, we went for pizza.

私たちは映画を観ました。それから、ピザを食べに行きました。

考えを順序立てる：それから、次に、最後に (Then, Next, Finally)
7

`When` the class ends, let's grab coffee.

授業が終わったら、コーヒーを飲みに行きましょう。

行動のタイミング: When, Before, After
8

Wash your hands `before` you eat dinner.

夕食を食べる前に手を洗いなさい。

行動のタイミング: When, Before, After

ヒントとコツ (4)

💡

カンマはあなたの友達！

「Because」で文を始める時は、メインの文節の前に必ずカンマを入れましょう。理由と結果がどこで区切れるか、相手に伝わりやすくなりますよ。「Because it's important, I'm telling you this!」
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 'Because' を使って理由を述べる
💡

「so」の前にカンマ

二つの完全な文（独立節）をつなぐ時は、通常「so」の前にカンマを置くと、より分かりやすく、文法的に正しい文になります:
It was really cold outside, so I wore a thick jacket.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 結果の接続詞: So (原因と結果)
💡

理由か、結果か？

「なぜ？」なら because、「それでどうなった？」なら so を使おう。 "I'm tired because I worked late."
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: アイデアをつなぐ：理由と結果を説明する (because, so)
⚠️

「Then」と「Than」の落とし穴

時間を表すときは絶対に「than」を使わないでください。「Than」は「bigger than」のように比較にだけ使います。順序の場合は必ず「then」です。
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 考えを順序立てる：それから、次に、最後に (Then, Next, Finally)

重要な語彙 (7)

because used for reasons so used for results finally the last step often many times whose belonging to whom before at an earlier time after at a later time

Real-World Preview

map

Planning a Weekend Trip

briefcase

Finding a Lost Item

Review Summary

  • [Result] + because + [Reason]
  • [Reason] + so + [Result]
  • First... Next... Finally...
  • How + [adj/adv] + ...?

よくある間違い

Do not use 'because' and 'so' in the same sentence. They both perform the same linking job; using both is redundant.

Wrong: Because it was raining, so I stayed home.
正解: Because it was raining, I stayed home. (OR) It was raining, so I stayed home.

'Who's' is a contraction of 'Who is'. 'Whose' is the possessive form used to ask about ownership.

Wrong: Who's book is this?
正解: Whose book is this?

Use 'How many' for countable items (apples, cars) and 'How much' for uncountable things (water, money, sugar).

Wrong: How much apples do you want?
正解: How many apples do you want?

このチャプターのルール (7)

1

'Because' を使って理由を述べる

A2
「because」は、英語で何かの「理由」や「原因」を説明するためのカギになる魔法の言葉です！
I am hungry `because` I didn't eat breakfast.
12 例文
2

結果の接続詞: So (原因と結果)

A2
「so」を使えば、原因と結果をスムーズにつなげられます。「Cause」と「Result」をわかりやすく表現できるようになりますよ！
It was really cold outside, so I wore a thick jack...
10 例文
3

アイデアをつなぐ：理由と結果を説明する (because, so)

A2
because と so を使いこなして、理由と結果を自然に伝えよう！ reason と result がポイントだよ。
I'm learning English `because` I want to travel th...
12 例文
4

考えを順序立てる：それから、次に、最後に (Then, Next, Finally)

A2
話し手に分かりやすく、考えを「時間順」に「整理」しましょう。「Then」と「Next」、「Finally」を使って「流れ」を作ります。
First, I open the app. `Next`, I choose my meal. `...
12 例文
5

行動のタイミング: When, Before, After

A2
「when」, 「before」, 「after」 を使って、行動や出来事の順番をハッキリ伝えましょう。
`When` the class ends, let's grab coffee.
12 例文
6

「How」を使った質問 (How much, many, often, long, old)

A2
「How」を使った質問をマスターすると、「much」や「many」、「often」、「long」、「old」などの「正確な情報」を引き出すことができるから、もっと「深く」コミュニケーションできるようになるよ。
How much coffee do you usually drink in a day?
12 例文
7

誰のもの？所有を尋ねる (Whose)

A2
「Whose」の後に名詞を続けて、物の持ち主をはっきり尋ねるための魔法の言葉です。これは「所有」を尋ねる時に使う「質問」の「ツール」ですよ。
Whose phone is ringing?
11 例文

Next Steps

You've just leveled up your conversation skills! Being able to link your thoughts makes you a much more engaging speaker. Keep practicing those 'How' questions!

Write a 3-step recipe for your favorite snack using sequence words.

Ask a partner 5 'How' questions about their hobbies.

Continue to: Obligation and Necessity

クイック練習 (10)

because または so が正しく使われている文はどれ？

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: It was raining, so I took an umbrella.
傘を持っていったのは雨が降っていた「結果」だね。だから so を使うのが正解！

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: アイデアをつなぐ：理由と結果を説明する (because, so)

正しい接続詞（because または so）を選んでね。

I was hungry, ___ I made a sandwich.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: so
お腹が空いた（理由）から、サンドイッチを作った（結果）という流れなので so が正解だよ。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: アイデアをつなぐ：理由と結果を説明する (because, so)

文中の間違いを見つけて直してください。

Find and fix the mistake:

How many sugar do you want in your tea?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: How much sugar do you want in your tea?
「sugar」（砂糖）は数えられない名詞なので、「how much」が正しい疑問詞です。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 「How」を使った質問 (How much, many, often, long, old)

この文の間違いを見つけて修正してください。

Find and fix the mistake:

Whose keys is those?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Whose keys are those?
「Keys」は複数形なので、複数動詞「are」と複数指示代名詞「those」を使わなければなりません。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 誰のもの？所有を尋ねる (Whose)

未来の行動を正しく表現している文はどれですか？

正しい文章を選びましょう：

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: When I finish my homework, I will watch TV.
未来の出来事の場合、'when' の節では現在形（'finish'）を使い、主節では未来形（'will watch'）を使います。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 行動のタイミング: When, Before, After

正しい接続詞を選んで文を完成させましょう。

It was raining outside, ___ we decided to watch a movie.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: so
雨が原因で、映画を見ることにしたのが結果です。「so」は原因と結果を正しくつなげます。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 結果の接続詞: So (原因と結果)

文の間違いを見つけて直しましょう。

Find and fix the mistake:

I was tired, because I went to bed early.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I was tired, so I went to bed early.
元の文では、「because」が原因の後に間違って使われています。疲れていたことの結果として早く寝たので、「so」を使うべきです。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 結果の接続詞: So (原因と結果)

正しい接続詞を選びましょう。

I'm learning English ___ I want to travel.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: because
文の後半が英語を学んでいる理由を述べています。「Because」は理由を導入するために使われます。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 'Because' を使って理由を述べる

文章の間違いを見つけて修正しましょう。

Find and fix the mistake:

She always eats breakfast after she will wake up.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: She always eats breakfast after she wakes up.
日課を説明するときは、両方の節で現在形を使います。ここでは 'will wake up' は間違いです。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 行動のタイミング: When, Before, After

正しい単語で空欄を埋めてください。

___ glasses are these on the table?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Whose
メガネの持ち主を尋ねるには「Whose」を使います。「Who's」は「who is」という意味なので、ここでは意味が通りません。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 誰のもの？所有を尋ねる (Whose)

Score: /10

よくある質問 (6)

because の主な目的は、何かの「理由」や「原因」を説明することです。「Why?」という質問に答えます。例えば、「I'm hungry because I didn't eat.」
はい、because は文頭に置けます！その場合、because の文節の後にカンマを置く必要があります。例えば、「Because it was raining, we stayed inside.」
「so」は、何かのできごとや理由（原因）と、その結果や結末（結果）をつなぐ接続詞です。つまり、「何かのせいでどうなったのか」を説明するのに役立ちますよ。例えば、「It was raining, so we stayed inside.」（雨が降っていたので、私たちは家の中にいました。）
「so」は「結果」を導入します（原因が先、soの後に結果）。「because」は「理由」を導入します（結果が先、becauseの後に理由）。原因と結果の関係を示す点は同じですが、文のスタート地点が違うんです。例えば、「I was hungry, so I ate.」（お腹が空いたので、食べました。）と「I ate because I was hungry.」（お腹が空いていたので、食べました。）は、意味は似ていますが、使い方が違いますね。
because は「理由」や「原因」を説明する時に使います。 Why? という質問に答えるイメージだよ。例えば： "I'm happy because I passed the test."
so は「結果」や「結末」を説明する時に使います。 「それでどうなったの？」に答える時に使ってみて。例えば： "I passed the test, so I'm happy."
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