GRAMMAR DETAIL
V-るように
After a volitional verb, figuratively describes an attitude or manner as if performing that action.
Examples
祖母は故郷の伝統を誇るように語った。
My grandmother spoke as if boasting about the traditions of her hometown.
Words used
子どもは犬から逃げるように、母の後ろに隠れた。
The child hid behind their mother as if fleeing from the dog.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure: When
ようにafter a dictionary-form verb modifies a following action, it can describe an attitude or manner as if performing the preceding action. - Basic usage:
祖母は故郷の伝統を誇るように語った。describes the grandmother's manner of speaking as though she were boasting about her hometown's traditions.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- What the comparison describes
誇るように語ったcompares the manner of speaking to a boastful attitude. The form alone does not establish whether boasting was actually intended.
- Different from purpose with ように
逃げるように隠れたdescribes the manner of hiding, whereas見つからないように隠れたgives the purpose of avoiding discovery. The relationship between the actions matters; not everyようにis this kind of comparison.