As soon as A, we’ll do B
formal / planned action or instruction
Open details
Form: V-ます(stem) + 次第、B
Use when: B is your intention/announcement right after A finishes.
Contrast: 〜とたん = unexpected; 〜たら/〜てすぐ = neutral/informal.
Avoid: past narrative of surprises. Use it for plans/requests, not sudden accidents.
Mini example
As soon as the preparations are ready, we’ll start the meeting.
Outcome depends on N
factor decides the result
Open details
Form: N + 次第だ|N + 次第で(は)B|N + 次第によっては B
Use when: the result/choice changes based on N (weather, budget, effort, schedule, etc.).
Contrast: 〜によって = “by/according to” (broad); 〜に応じて = “in line with needs/level”.
Avoid: using bare noun for “as soon as” (*準備次第、…*). Say 準備ができ次第… / 整い次第….
Mini example
Grades depend on effort. / Depending on the weather, it may be canceled.
Letter style “〜次第です”
polite “this is why / for this reason”
Open details
Meaning: closing/explanatory line in business emails.
Example: ご連絡 を 申 し上 げた 次第です。= “I’m contacting you for this reason.”
1) V-ます + 次第 — as soon as A finishes, do B
Formal announcement of quick follow-up action. B is typically your plan, request, or instruction.
Form: V-ます(stem) + 次第、B
Register: business / announcements / notices.
As soon as we arrive, we will contact you.
We will resume the game as soon as the rain stops.
As soon as the materials are ready, I’ll share them by email.
Common mistake:*準備 次第、…* ❌ → say 準備ができ次第/準備が整い次第.
Tip:Use with future/control contexts. For sudden past events, prefer 〜とたん or 〜てすぐ.
2) N + 次第/次第で(は)— the outcome depends on N
The factor (N) determines the result, choice, or degree. 次第で(は) and 次第によっては often limit to certain cases.
Form: N + 次第だ|N + 次第で(は)B|N + 次第によっては B
Nuance: the deciding factor / may vary by case.
Your grades depend on your effort.
Depending on the budget, we may revise the plan.
Depending on how you use it, this tool can be very useful.
Pattern:N + 次第によっては B = “in some cases, depending on N, B (may happen)”.
3) “〜次第です” — polite closing/explanation
In emails/announcements, 〜次第です politely explains the reason/background of your message.
ご
This is to report to you. / That is the reason for my message.
Quick contrasts & pitfalls
- V-ます + 次第 = formal plan/notice (“we will…”). 〜たら/〜てすぐ = neutral/casual “when/once, (right away)”.
- 〜とたん = the instant & unexpected. Not for intentions/requests → use 〜次第 for planned actions.
- N + 次第で/次第だ = factor decides the outcome. 〜によって is broader (“by/according to/depending on method”). 〜に応じて = “in line with needs/level”.
- Form caution: “as soon as” needs a verb stem: 終わり次第/到着し次第. Don’t attach bare nouns.
- Tense: Usually for future/control contexts. For past narratives, use 〜てすぐ or 〜た直後.
