次第

次第 is a formal noun used to connect clauses in a way that communicates timing or conditional dependence. When used for timing, the verb before 次第 is put in its 連用形 (the stem of the verb) to mean “as soon as X happens, then ….” When used with a noun, 次第 expresses that something depends on or follows the situation described by the noun. It’s common in business letters, notices, and formal announcements. It can sound very formal or literary in everyday speech, so use in appropriate contexts. Usage notes: - To express timing: place the verb in its 連用形 before 次第 (e.g., 着き次第、連絡します – I’ll contact you as soon as I arrive). - To express dependence or condition: use a noun before 次第 (e.g., 天候次第で中止します – It will be canceled depending on the weather). - In many cases, 次第 can be followed by です/ます, or be used in phrases like ...次第です to state a conclusion based on the preceding condition. - This grammar is more common in written or formal contexts; casual speech often uses 〜たら or 〜なら instead.