simultaneous actions, alternating actions, Tested in N2

In Japanese grammar, there are several expressions similar to 「〜ながら」 and 「〜たり〜たり」 that indicate simultaneous actions, alternating actions, listing actions, contrasts, or sequential events. Below are some common ones, along with their differences and usage.

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1.「〜つつ」 (Similar to 「ながら」 but More Formal)

Grammar Structure

Verb stem (remove ます) + つつ

Meaning

• Indicates two simultaneous actions, just like 「ながら」, but is more formal and literary.
• Can also express contradictions (e.g., “even though…”).

Examples

✅ 調べつつ、書いていく。

(Write while researching.)
✅ 悪いと知りつつ、やめられない。
(Even though I know it’s bad, I can’t stop.)

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2.「〜かたわら」 (Doing Two Things, One as a Main Activity)

Grammar Structure

Verb dictionary form + かたわら / Noun + の + かたわら

Meaning

• Indicates doing two things simultaneously, but emphasizes one as the primary activity.

Examples

✅ 彼は会社で働くかたわら、夜に大学で勉強している。

(He works at a company while studying at university at night.)
✅ 彼は歌手のかたわら、小説も書いている。
(He is a singer but also writes novels.)

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3.「〜一方（で）」 (On One Hand… / On the Other Hand…)

Grammar Structure

Verb dictionary form + 一方（で）

Meaning

• Used to show contrasts between two situations.

Examples

✅ 彼は研究を続ける一方、社会活動にも力を入れている。

(On one hand, he continues his research, but on the other, he is also engaged in social activities.)

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Which is the Most Frequently Tested in N2?

The most frequently tested expressions in N2 are:

1. 「〜つつ」 (Formal version of 「ながら」)
2. 「〜一方（で）」 (Expressing contrast)
3. 「〜ついでに」 (Expressing “while doing A, also doing B”)

These are commonly seen in N2 reading and listening sections, especially in formal essays, reports, and news articles.