GRAMMAR DETAIL
〜たところ
Presents a result discovered after trying an action or checking something.
Examples
店に問い合わせをしたところ、在庫が一つ残っていた。
When I contacted the store, I learned that there was one item left in stock.
Words used
医者に相談したところ、しばらく休むように言われた。
When I consulted a doctor, I was told to rest for a while.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure: Add
ところto a verb'sたform and follow it with a result or response discovered through the action. - Basic usage:
店に問い合わせをしたところ、在庫が一つ残っていた。describes learning about remaining stock by contacting the store.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- A result of an actual check
調べたところ誤りが見つかったreports a result discovered through an actual investigation. It differs from a hypothetical check not yet made, as in調べたら誤りが見つかるかもしれない.
- Sentence-final ところだ
調べたところ、誤りがあったcontinues with a result, while今調べたところだsays the investigation has just occurred. Distinguish the following result clause from sentence-finalだ.