The verb “Suru/Shimasu” is most of the time a transitive verb. Actually, sometimes “Suru/Shimasu” is used as an intransitive verb as introduced by the example sentence number 5 in the section 47. But let us just put aside “Suru/Shimasu” as an intransitive verb now. We are focusing on “Suru/Shimasu” as a transitive verb. Then, today’s sentences are to be compared with the exercise A4 in the section 19, in which the intransitive verb “Naru/Narimasu” is used.
(1) Sentence Constructions in A4 S19 with “Naru/Narimasu”
– [Subject] wa* [I-adj]+ku Narimashita.
– [Subject] wa* [Na-adj]+ni Narimashita.
– [Subject] wa* [Noun]+ni Narimashita.
(* “ga” is also used.)
(2) Today’s constructions of A4 S44
– [Object] o [I-adj]+ku Shimasu.
– [Object] o [Na-adj]+ni Shimasu.
– [Object] o [Noun]+ni Shimasu.
There is a difference between the sentences of (1) and (2), at the sentence ending. The sentences of (1) end with “-mashita.” which means perfect tense, in other words, actions of changing have already happened. On the other, the sentences of (2) end with “-masu” which means actions of changing will happen near future, or strong will of the subject. But rather than this difference of tense, there is an important difference between (1) and (2).
The sentences of (1) express that the subject itself changes. Therefore, the subject needs to be mentioned and the verb of changing must be the intransitive verb “Naru/Narimasu”.
The sentences of (2) express that the object is changed under someone’s intention. Therefore, the object needs to be mentioned and the verb must be a transitive verb, in this case, “Suru/Shimasu”.
Then, let us compare (1) and (2) with example sentences.
<This post is incomplete. >
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This post was written with reference to the exercise A4 of Section44 in “Minna no Nihongo (2nd Edition)” published by “3A Corporation”
