All JLPT N3 Grammar

JLPT grammar levels are community estimates, not official (no official lists have been published since the 2010 revision).

N3

〜こそ〜がNeutralAcknowledges a fact marked by こそ, then uses が or けれど to introduce a contrasting main point: “It’s true that X, but…”
〜ことにしているNeutralExpresses a habit or rule that the subject decided on and keeps following: (1) "make it a rule to…"; (2) with the negative, "make it a rule not to…".
〜さえ〜ばNeutralExpresses that one condition alone is enough to bring about a result: “if only X,” “as long as X,” “all you need is X.” The item marked by さえ is presented as the single, minimal requirement.
〜たきりNeutralExpresses that after an action was done, the expected follow-up never happened, and things have stayed that way since. The main clause is usually negative (e.g. 〜ていない). Equivalent to "(did X) and never … since" or "only (did X) and then nothing more."
〜たところだNeutralIndicates that an action has just been completed; the speaker is at the point right after it. Similar to English 'have just done'.
〜たり〜たりするNeutral(1) Lists a few representative actions or states as examples, implying there are others ("do things like A and B"); (2) describes states or actions that alternate or keep changing ("sometimes A, sometimes B").
〜つつもWrittenExpresses concession: 'although / even while (doing or thinking) X', the subject still does Y. X is often awareness or a feeling, and Y goes against it.
〜ているところだNeutral(1) The subject is right in the middle of doing an action at this very moment; (2) it is often used to explain what one is busy with, e.g. when putting off or declining something else.
〜てしかたがないNeutralExpresses that a feeling, desire, or physical sensation is so strong the speaker cannot suppress it: 'unbearably ~', 'can't help feeling ~', 'terribly ~'. (1) Uncontrollable emotions or longings; (2) overwhelming bodily sensations.
〜ないうちにNeutral(1) Before something happens, especially something undesirable or outside one's control; used to act while the chance remains. (2) While something is not being done, often in phrases like 知らないうちに, meaning 'before one knows it.'
〜ないことにはNeutralUnless X happens, Y cannot happen. It presents X as an indispensable precondition. The second clause is typically negative or expresses that something is impossible or won't progress.
〜ほかないWrittenExpresses that there is no option other than the stated action, so one must do it, often with a sense of resignation. Equivalent to 'have no choice but to' or 'can only'.
〜るところだNeutralIndicates that someone is just about to do something: the action is imminent but has not yet started. It describes the moment right before an action begins.
あまりWrittenExpresses that a feeling or state is so intense that it leads to a result, often an involuntary one: “so … that …” or “out of extreme ….”
あまりにNeutralAn adverb meaning 'too' or 'so (very) … that'. It marks a degree far beyond the normal, and a following clause usually states the consequence: (1) an undesirable result; (2) an opposite or unexpected result.
あまりにもNeutralMeans 'far too' or 'so extremely (that…)'. It is an emphatic adverb stressing that a degree is excessive or overwhelming, and it is the emphatic form of あまりに.
うちにNeutral(1) Do something while a condition still holds, before it changes; (2) as an activity continues, a change gradually develops.
おかげでNeutral(1) Thanks to; credits a person, thing, or action for a good result, often with appreciation; (2) sarcastically, “thanks to” a cause of an unwelcome result.
かけるNeutralAttached to a verb stem, it shows that something is only partway done or on the verge of happening: (1) an action has started but is not finished; (2) something almost happens or is about to happen.
がたいWrittenAttached to a verb, がたい means that an action is very hard or nearly impossible to do. The reason is usually psychological or emotional, such as disbelief, disapproval or reluctance, rather than physical.
がちNeutralExpresses that something tends to happen often or that someone is prone to a certain state, usually something undesirable: (1) be apt to fall into a negative state; (2) do something frequently, more often than is desirable.
か何かCasual"X or something (like that)": (1) names X as a representative item while allowing that something similar would do just as well; (2) offers a vague guess about something the speaker is not sure of.
きりNeutral(1) After a noun, 'only' or 'just', limiting something to that amount or those people; (2) after a verb in た-form, 'since doing ~ (and nothing further)', meaning an action happened and the expected follow-up did not occur during the period described.
きるNeutralAttached to a verb stem, きる means (1) to do something completely or all the way to the end; (2) with certain verbs, to be in a state to the fullest degree (e.g., 疲れきる 'be utterly exhausted').
くせにCasualMeans "even though / despite the fact that." (1) Criticizes or complains about someone whose behavior doesn't match what the first clause would lead you to expect; (2) between close people, it can also be used for light, affectionate teasing.
こそNeutralAn emphatic particle that singles out one item as *the* one, meaning 'precisely,' 'this very,' or 'for sure.' (1) It stresses a noun or phrase as the one that truly matters, as opposed to others; (2) after a て-form, it means 'only by/when (doing).'
こそあれWrittenA literary concessive meaning 'granted there is X, but…' or 'X may be so, but…'. (1) The speaker admits X and then asserts a contrasting Y; (2) the speaker admits X may exist and then firmly denies Y (there may be X, but not Y).
こそすれWrittenUsed to say that one thing may well happen, but the opposite or a worse outcome will certainly not. It means roughly "rather X, but certainly not Y" and is always followed by a negative clause.
ことNeutralTurns a clause into a noun phrase ("doing ~", "the fact that ~", "being ~"). The clause can express an action, state, property, or fact, and the phrase can then serve as the subject, topic, or object of a sentence.
ことかWrittenExpresses a strong emotional exclamation about the great degree of something: 'how (very) …!', 'how much …!'. It usually pairs with degree words such as どんなに, どれほど, or なんと.
ことがあるNeutral(1) After a verb in dictionary or ない-form, or after an adjective or noun, it means something happens or is the case on occasion ('sometimes'); (2) after a verb in た-form, it means one has had the experience of doing something ('have done').
ことだNeutralGives strong, direct advice: "the best thing to do is…" or "you should…". It is often paired with a condition (〜なら, 〜たければ) that states the listener's goal.
ごとにNeutralMarks repetition or distribution per unit: (1) at regular intervals of time or distance ("every ~"); (2) for each individual group, person or item separately ("each ~", "per ~"); (3) after a verb, every time an action happens.
ことになっているNeutralExpresses that something is settled by a rule, custom, or prior arrangement rather than by the speaker's own choice in the moment: (1) it is a rule or custom that ...; (2) it is arranged or scheduled that ...
ことはないNeutralExpresses that there is no need to do something. It is typically said to reassure or advise the listener that an action or feeling is unnecessary.
さえNeutral“Even”: presents an extreme or unlikely example to imply that more obvious cases also hold. (1) Often used with a negative for “not even ~”; (2) also used with an unlikely person or thing to show how easy, obvious or widespread something is.
さらにNeutral(1) Furthermore, in addition: adds another point to what was just said; (2) even more, further: shows that a degree or state increases beyond its current level.
しかないNeutral(1) After a verb, it means there is no other option: "have no choice but to ~," "all one can do is ~." (2) After a noun, it means only that thing exists or is available: "there is nothing but ~."
ずつNeutralAttaches to a quantity or amount. (1) The same amount goes to each person or thing. (2) An action or change proceeds by that amount at a time, i.e., gradually or unit by unit.
すなわちWrittenA formal conjunction meaning 'that is,' 'namely,' or 'in other words.' It introduces a restatement, a definition, an exact equivalent, or a conclusion that amounts to the same thing as what came just before.
ずにWrittenMeans 'without doing ~'. (1) It shows that the main action is done while another action is left undone, often describing how someone acted; (2) it can also mean doing one thing instead of another.
ずにはいられないNeutralExpresses that someone cannot help doing something, because a strong emotion or natural impulse makes the action or reaction impossible to hold back. It corresponds to English "can't help (doing)" or "can't stop oneself from (doing)".
せいぜいNeutralAn adverb meaning (1) 'at most, at best,' setting an upper limit on an amount, degree, or estimate and framing it as 'no more than this'; (2) 'as much as one can,' used to encourage someone to make the most of something, which can sound ironic.
せいでNeutralBecause of, owing to. It marks the cause of an undesirable result and often implies blame on that cause.
そうもないNeutralExpresses the speaker's judgment, based on how things look, that something is very unlikely to happen: "doesn't look like it will ~" or "there's no sign of ~." It is the emphatic negative of the appearance-based そうだ.
それともNeutralA conjunction meaning "or" that joins two alternative questions, either asking the listener to choose one or asking which of two possibilities is true.
だけでなくNeutralMeans "not only A, but also B". It presents one item or fact and adds another. The added element is often marked with も, but も is optional.
だけどCasualA casual connective meaning 'but' or 'although' that links two contrasting statements. (1) After a noun or な-adjective, it joins a contrasting clause; (2) at the start of a sentence, it works as a conjunction meaning 'But…'.
たってCasualA casual concessive meaning 'even if' or 'even though': the main clause holds regardless of the condition. (1) even if / even though; (2) with a question word, 'no matter what/who/how…'.
たてNeutralAttached to a verb stem, たて means 'freshly ~ed' or 'just ~ed': (1) something newly made, picked, or done; (2) someone or something that has only just entered a new state.
たとたんNeutralExpresses that the moment one action or change occurs, something else happens almost at once. The second event is usually sudden or unexpected.
たびにNeutralMeans "every time" or "whenever". It says that on each occasion a repeatable event happens, the same result follows or the same action is taken.
ためにNeutral(1) Expresses purpose: 'in order to', 'for the sake of'; (2) Expresses cause: 'because of', 'due to', often for a reason behind a result that has already happened.
だらけNeutralExpresses that something is covered with or full of something, often something unpleasant or undesirable: (1) covered all over with a substance such as mud or dust; (2) full of or riddled with something, such as mistakes.
ついでにNeutralExpresses doing something extra by taking the opportunity of a main activity: 'while (doing X), also…'. (1) After a verb or noun: the first activity is the main purpose, and the second is done incidentally; (2) As a standalone adverb: 'while you're at it', 'incidentally'.
っけCasualA casual sentence-final particle that (1) asks for confirmation of something the speaker once knew but has forgotten or only half-remembers; (2) with the past tense, recalls or reminisces about past events.
っぱなしCasual(1) Doing something and then leaving it in that state without dealing with it, often out of carelessness; (2) continuing an action or remaining in a state for a long, unbroken stretch, often with a sense that it is excessive, though it can also express sympathy or admiration for sustained effort.
っぽいCasual(1) Adds “-ish” or “-like” to describe a quality or impression; (2) describes a habitual tendency or trait; (3) in casual speech, means “seems like.”
つまりNeutralA conjunction meaning 'in other words' or 'in short'. (1) It restates what was just said in different terms; (2) it sums up or draws the conclusion that follows from the preceding content.
つもりでNeutralLinks a clause to the intention or mindset behind an action: (1) with the intention of, planning to; (2) with the idea that, treating something as. Sense 2 is common when the outcome differs from what was meant.
てごらんCasualGently urges the listener to try doing something, much like "try ~ing" or "have a go at ~". It is typically said by adults to children or by seniors to juniors.
てしょうがないCasualExpresses that a feeling, desire, or physical sensation is so strong it can hardly be controlled or borne: 'extremely', 'so … I can't stand it'. It often follows たい to express strong longing.
てはじめてNeutralてはじめて means that something happened or became possible only after a preceding event or experience. It often describes a realization gained through that experience.
てもかまわない / てもかまいませんNeutralExpresses that something is acceptable or that the speaker does not mind: (1) "it's fine if…, I don't mind if…" (permission or acceptance); (2) with a negative (～なくてもかまわない), "it's fine not to…, you don't have to…".
てもらうNeutralExpresses receiving the benefit of someone else's action: (1) having someone do something for you, often with gratitude; (2) getting or asking someone to do something.
ても始まらないCasualExpresses that doing or being a certain way will not help or change the situation: “It’s no use ~.” It can lead into a suggestion to do something more constructive.
てやまないFormalExpresses a strong, lasting feeling (wishing, hoping, praying, loving, respecting) that the speaker holds continuously: 'never cease to ~', 'sincerely ~ from the bottom of one's heart'.
ということだNeutral(1) Reports information heard or read from another source: 'I hear that…', 'they say that…'; (2) States a conclusion or rephrases what was just said: 'that means…', 'in other words…'.
というのはNeutral(1) Marks a word or statement as the topic in order to define, explain, or comment on it: 'X is… / X means…'; (2) at the start of a sentence, introduces the reason for, or an explanation of, what was just said: 'That's because…'.
というよりNeutralUsed to say that one description, reason or purpose fits less well than another: 'rather than X, it's more (like) Y.' The speaker weighs two ways of characterizing something and picks the second as the more accurate one.
といってもNeutralAlthough one says X, the reality is less or different than X suggests. The speaker grants X, then corrects or limits the expectation it creates: (1) it is X, but not in the way you might assume; (2) X is true, but only to a limited degree.
とおりNeutralExpresses that something is done or happens in the same way as a model, instruction, or statement: (1) 'in accordance with / following' a guide or instruction; (2) 'just as' someone said, expected, or predicted.
とおりにNeutralExpresses that something is done or happens exactly as something else says, shows, or plans: (1) acting in accordance with instructions, a plan, or a model; (2) an outcome matching what was said or expected.
ところがNeutral(1) As a sentence-initial conjunction: "however / but", introducing a turn of events contrary to what was expected. (2) 動詞た形＋ところが: "when I did X, (unexpectedly) Y", linking an action to an unexpected result within one sentence.
どころかNeutralどころか rejects X in favor of a more surprising reality: (1) far from X, the opposite happened; (2) let alone X, even a more basic Y was not possible.
ところでNeutralA conjunction meaning 'by the way' or 'incidentally.' It is used to change the topic, either to something unrelated or from preliminary remarks to the main point.
としたら / とすればNeutralExpresses a hypothetical assumption: 'if we suppose that…', 'assuming that…'. The speaker sets up a premise, real or imagined, and then states what would follow, often a judgment, inference, or question.
としてNeutral(1) As; in the role, capacity, or status of (a student, a teacher, etc.). (2) As; serving as or in the form of something (for reference, as a gift, etc.).
とは限らないNeutralMeans "not necessarily" or "is not always the case." It marks a partial negation: the speaker denies that a common assumption or general expectation always holds, while allowing that it is sometimes true.
とみえる / とみえてWrittenExpresses the speaker's inference, drawn from something observed, that a situation seems to be the case ("it appears that ~"). (1) Sentence-final とみえる states the inference; (2) connective とみえて states the inference first, then the observed evidence behind it.
と共にWritten(1) Together with a person or thing; (2) as one thing changes, another changes along with it; (3) at the same time as an event, or as well as being something.
ないことはないNeutralA double negative meaning 'it's not that ~ doesn't/can't.' It gives a weak, reserved affirmation: something is possible or true, but with hesitation or conditions, often followed by a reservation.
ないでNeutralAttaches to a verb to mean (1) 'without doing' something while doing the main action, or (2) 'instead of doing' something, doing another action in its place.
ないとCasual(1) 'If (one) doesn't ~, (an undesirable result follows)': a negative condition leading to a bad outcome; (2) used alone at the end of a sentence as a casual shortening of 〜ないといけない, meaning 'I/you have to ~'.
ながら / いながら / ながらもNeutral(1) Links two actions done at the same time by the same person, 'while ~ing'; (2) Expresses concession, 'although / despite', often as ながらも or いながら.
なぜなら / なぜかというとNeutralA sentence-initial conjunction meaning "because" or "the reason is". It is used after a statement to introduce a new sentence explaining the reason for it.
なるべくNeutralAn adverb meaning 'as ... as possible' or 'if possible'. It softens a request, wish, or intention by asking for the greatest degree that circumstances allow.
なんか / なんてCasual(1) なんか / なんて singles out someone or something with a humble or dismissive nuance; (2) なんて after a clause expresses surprise or strong feeling about what happened.
において / におけるWrittenA formal marker for where or in what context something takes place: (1) a place, occasion, or event; (2) a field, domain, or aspect. It works like で. において attaches to predicates, and における links two nouns.
にかけてNeutral(1) 名詞から名詞にかけて marks an approximate span of time or place, from one point through another; (2) 名詞にかけては singles out a field of ability, meaning “when it comes to ….”
にかわって / にかわりNeutral(1) On behalf of or in place of a person who would normally act; (2) replacing something older or previous with something new.
にしたがってNeutral(1) "As X changes, Y changes too": links two gradual, proportional changes; (2) "In accordance with, following": acting as a rule, instruction, or guide directs.
にしてはNeutral"For a…" / "considering that…": the speaker takes a known fact as the premise and notes that the actual situation differs from what that premise would normally lead one to expect. The evaluation can be positive or negative.
についてNeutralAbout, concerning, on. Marks the topic that an act of speaking, thinking, writing, asking, or researching is directed at.
につれてNeutral"As…," "in proportion to…." It shows that as one thing changes or progresses, another thing changes along with it gradually.
にとってNeutral"For X; from X's standpoint." Marks the person or group from whose point of view something is judged. It is usually followed by an evaluation such as importance, difficulty, or necessity.
にはNeutral(1) Attached to a dictionary-form verb, marks a goal ('in order to…, to…') whose main clause states what is necessary, important, or required to achieve it; (2) attached to a noun, marks the person from whose standpoint something is judged ('for…').
によって / によるNeutralAttached to a noun to show (1) the cause of a result or the agent in a passive sentence, 'due to / by'; (2) that something varies depending on the noun, 'depending on'; (3) the means or method used, 'by means of'. による links the noun directly to a following noun.
によると / によればNeutralMarks the source of information: "according to X." The statement that follows is reported from that source, so the sentence usually ends with a hearsay expression such as そうだ, らしい or ということだ.
に違いないNeutralExpresses the speaker's strong conviction that something is true or will happen, based on intuition or on evidence at hand: "must be," "surely," "no doubt." It is a confident judgment, not a statement of confirmed fact.
に加えてWrittenIn addition to; on top of. Presents one fact or item and then adds another of the same kind, which is usually marked with も in the following clause.
に関する / に関してWrittenConcerning, regarding, or related to. It marks the topic that something is about. に関する modifies a following noun, and に関して links to a predicate. It is a more formal counterpart of について.
に対してNeutralMarks the target of an action, attitude, or feeling: (1) toward, against, in response to; (2) in contrast to, whereas (comparing two things); (3) per, for every (ratios).
に比べてNeutralMeans "compared with / compared to." It marks the noun or clause that serves as the standard of comparison, and the main clause then describes how something else differs from it.
ばいいNeutral(1) Suggests a simple solution or course of action: 'you can just…', 'all you have to do is…'; (2) in questions with a question word (どうすればいい), asks for advice: 'what should I do?'; (3) with な or のに at the end, expresses a wish: 'I hope…', 'it would be nice if…'.
ばかりかWrittenMeans "not only A, but also B." It adds a second, often more surprising or extreme item to the first. It is used for both positive and negative situations.
ばかりでなくNeutral“Not only X, but also Y.” It states one fact and then adds another, usually of the same kind, to the listener's picture.
はもちろんNeutral(1) 'X, of course, and also Y': it presents X as the obvious, taken-for-granted case and adds Y as another applicable item; (2) with まで or さえ, the added Y goes further, even to an unexpected extent.
ばよかったNeutralExpresses regret about what did or did not happen in the past: “I should have ~” or “I wish I had ~”. It can also be directed at someone else as a hindsight comment or mild reproach.
は別としてNeutralSets one factor aside so the speaker can focus on the main point: 'apart from X', 'leaving X aside'. (1) Setting aside a particular factor; (2) regardless of which alternative is true (with a question-type or 'A or B' clause).
ぶりにNeutralSays that something happens again for the first time after a stated interval: 'for the first time in (period)' or 'after (period)'. (1) After a specified length of time (三年ぶりに); (2) in the fixed phrase 久しぶりに, after a long, unspecified time, 'for the first time in a long while'.
ふりをするNeutralExpresses pretending: deliberately acting as if something is true when it is not, such as feigning an action, state, or feeling to mislead others or avoid something.
べきNeutralExpresses what someone should or ought to do, based on moral judgment, duty, common sense, or what is fitting in light of a rule or situation. It states a firm opinion about what is right or proper.
べきではないNeutralExpresses that doing something is wrong or inappropriate, based on the speaker's moral judgment or common sense: "one should not ~." It is used to criticize or advise against an action.
ほどNeutral(1) Shows the degree or extent of a state, often through exaggeration: 'so … that ~' or 'to the point of ~'; (2) after a number or quantity, means 'about' or 'approximately'.
まるでNeutralまるで emphasizes a striking resemblance, meaning “just like” or “as if.” With a negative predicate, it means “not at all.”
もしかしたらNeutralPerhaps; maybe; possibly. An adverb that introduces a guess the speaker is unsure about, usually with a low sense of probability. It is typically paired with a sentence-final expression of possibility such as かもしれない.
ようとしないNeutral(1) Someone refuses or shows no willingness to do something, as judged from their behavior, often despite expectations or urging; (2) with a non-volitional subject such as the weather, something shows no sign of happening (雨がやもうとしない, 'the rain shows no sign of stopping').
ようとするNeutralExpresses an attempt at an action or the moment just before it begins: (1) try to do something, often without success; (2) be about to do something, often when something else interrupts.
ような気がするNeutralExpresses the speaker's vague, intuitive feeling or impression that something is so, without firm grounds: "I have a feeling that…" or "It seems to me that…". It softens a statement and is also used for hazy recollections, such as feeling that one has seen or done something before.
ように/ようなNeutralExpresses resemblance or likeness: 'like ~', 'as ~'. (1) ように works adverbially, modifying a verb or adjective to describe how something is or is done; (2) ような works adnominally, modifying a noun to describe it as being like, or of the same kind as, something else.
られるNeutralPotential form of 一段動詞 and 来る: (1) the subject is able to do something; (2) an action is possible or allowed under the circumstances.
わけがないNeutralExpresses the speaker's strong conviction, based on reasoning or common sense, that something is impossible or out of the question: "there's no way that…", "it can't be that…".
わけだNeutralPresents a statement as the natural explanation or logical conclusion of known facts. (1) 'No wonder' or 'that explains why', when the speaker grasps a reason; (2) 'that means' or 'so', when drawing a conclusion from given information.
わけではないNeutralDenies a conclusion the listener might naturally draw: "it's not that…" or "it doesn't mean that…". (1) Rejects an inference suggested by the situation, often before giving the real point; (2) softly denies an assumed feeling or state to clarify the speaker's actual position.
わけにはいかないNeutralExpresses that the speaker cannot do something because of social, moral, or situational reasons, not physical inability. (1) After a dictionary form: cannot do; (2) after a ない-form: must do, cannot avoid doing.
わりにNeutralExpresses that a result is out of proportion to what one would expect from a given fact or degree: 'considering X, …' or 'for X, …'. It is used for results that are both better and worse than expected.
をはじめ / をはじめとするWrittenCites X as the leading or most representative member of a larger group, then refers to the whole group: "X and others", "starting with X", "including X". (1) をはじめ(として) links to the rest of the sentence; (2) をはじめとする/をはじめとした modifies a following noun.
を込めてNeutralExpresses doing something while putting a feeling, wish, or effort into it: 'with (all one's) ~', 'full of ~'. It typically follows nouns such as 感謝, 愛情, 心, 願い, or 力.
を中心にNeutralCentering on, mainly in or among. It marks a noun as the center or main focus of an action or situation, leaving open that the activity may also extend beyond it.
んだってCasualA casual sentence-ending. (1) Passes on information heard from someone else: "I heard that…"; (2) with rising intonation, asks the listener to confirm something heard: "Is it true that…?"; (3) in an insistent tone, repeats the speaker's own assertion: "I'm telling you…!"
一方だNeutralExpresses that a situation keeps changing in one direction without stopping, often a worsening trend: "keeps ~ing," "is only getting more ~."
一方でNeutralPresents two aspects of the same subject side by side: (1) contrasting aspects, 'while ~, on the other hand ~'; (2) an additional aspect, 'while ~, also ~'.
確かにNeutral(1) Certainly, indeed: affirms that something is true or agrees with what someone said; (2) It's true that…, but…: concedes a point before a contrasting statement introduced by が, けれど, しかし, etc.
気味NeutralIndicates that someone or something shows a slight sign or tendency of a certain state, usually an undesirable one. Similar to English 'a bit', 'a touch of', or '-ish'.
結果WrittenMeans 'as a result of ~' or 'after ~'. It presents an action or process in the first clause and the outcome that followed from it in the second clause.
向けNeutralAttached to a noun, 向け means 'intended for' or 'aimed at'. It shows who or what something is designed, made, or produced for: (1) a target audience or group; (2) a target market or destination.
最中にNeutralMeans 'right in the middle of' or 'at the height of' an ongoing action or event. The main clause usually describes something sudden or unexpected that happens at that moment and interrupts it.
際にFormalMeans "when," "at the time of," or "on the occasion of" something. It is a formal counterpart of とき, often used for procedures, rules, or notable occasions.
上でFormal(1) After doing X, and on that basis, do Y: X is a necessary step before Y; (2) with the dictionary form, 'in doing X' or 'for the purpose of X', often before statements about what is important or necessary.
切れないNeutralExpresses that one cannot do something completely or through to the end: (1) unable to finish because the amount is too large; (2) unable to fully hold back or endure something, as in 待ちきれない.
代わりにNeutral(1) Instead of or in place of someone or something, with one person, thing, or action substituting for another; (2) in exchange for or in return for, where one thing is balanced or compensated by another.
中NeutralA suffix attached to nouns. (1) Read じゅう, it means 'throughout' or 'all over' a time span or place; (2) read ちゅう, it means 'in the middle of' an activity or state; (3) after period nouns, especially with に, it means 'within' or 'by the end of' that period.
直すNeutralAttached to a verb stem, 直す means to do something over again. It expresses (1) redoing an action because the first attempt had a mistake; (2) revising something to improve it; (3) simply doing it again, as in 読み直す (reread), with no flaw implied.
途中に / 途中でNeutral(1) In the middle of an activity or event, after it has started but before it is finished; (2) on the way to a destination, at some point during the trip.

N3

Say it right, write it right