GRAMMAR DETAIL
ていく
Follows a verb of change to show that the change will continue from the present into the future.
Examples
この町の景色はこれから少しずつ変わっていく。
The scenery in this town will gradually change from now on.
Words used
町の人口はこれから少しずつ増えていく。
The town's population will gradually increase from now on.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure: A verb of change in the
てform is followed byいく. - Basic usage:
町の人口はこれから少しずつ増えていく。presents population growth continuing into the future.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- Reference point and direction
増えていくlooks forward from a reference point, while増えてきたlooks at change leading up to it.減っていくis also possible, so the construction is not limited to increases.
- いく for physical movement
荷物を持っていくdescribes physically taking luggage somewhere. Its verb and context differ from continuing change in変わっていく.