While doing A, also do B (written)
same subject; business/news style
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Form: V-masu stem + つつ
Use: two actions happen in parallel by the same subject. Sounds written/formal.
Contrast: everyday speech → 〜ながら. Not the concessive pattern 〜つつも (“although”).
A change is underway
formal “in the process of ~”
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Form: V-masu stem + つつある
Use: steady progress or a continuing trend (reports, announcements).
Contrast: spoken tone → 〜てきている (“is getting ~”).
About to / trying to do
imminent action or attempt
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Form: V-volitional + としている
Use: someone is trying to do X / X is just about to happen. May or may not succeed.
Contrast: plan/intention → 〜つもりだ; “right now about to” → V-ところだ. Refusal → 〜ようとしない.
1) 〜つつ — written “while doing” (same subject)
Two actions by the same subject occur in parallel. Common in reports and business writing; in conversation use 〜ながら.
Form: V-masu stem + つつ
Note: not used when A and B have different subjects.
データを
While cleaning the data, I prepare the estimate.
We’re monitoring the situation while considering alternative routes.
モデルを
We train the model while evaluating its accuracy.
Pitfall: ✖ Different subjects (e.g., “I do A while he does B”). Use separate clauses instead.
2) 〜つつある — a trend is in progress
Describes a steady change already underway. Common in news, reports, and formal statements.
Form: V-masu stem + つつある
Often with: increase/decrease verbs (増/減), 進む, 広がる.
The economy is recovering.
Urban populations are declining.
リモートワークが
Remote work is becoming widespread.
Spoken alternative: 〜てきている (e.g., “is getting popular”).
3) 〜ようとしている — about to / trying to
Shows imminence or an attempt. Often used with “moment” verbs like depart, stand up, start to rain.
Form: V-volitional + としている
Negative: V-volitional + としない = “refuses/won’t try”.
The train is about to depart.
It looks about to start raining.
The cat refuses to eat.
Pitfall: Don’t use it for long-term plans; it describes an imminent moment or an attempt now.
Quick contrasts & tips
- 〜つつ vs 〜ながら: same meaning; 〜つつ is written/businesslike.
- 〜つつある vs 〜てきている: both “is getting ~”; the former sounds more formal/report-like.
- 〜ようとしている vs V-ところだ: the former = imminent/trying; the latter = just-about-to at this moment.
- Keep subjects the same for 〜つつ. Use varied verbs (depart/start/decline/grow) for natural N2 writing.
