Verb る ことがある JLPT N4
〜ru koto ga aru
Used to express that something happens sometimes or has happened before.
Polarity is the only difference: Verb-dictionary + ことがある is 'there are times when I do', Verb-ない + ことがある is 'there are times when I don't'.
Formation
Verb-dictionary form + ことがある
Explanation
The grammar point る ことがある is used to express that something occurs sometimes or has occurred in the past. It indicates that the action is not a regular or constant event, but rather something that takes place occasionally or has happened at least once.
Example sentences
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He is sometimes late.
Kare wa chikoku suru koto ga arimasu.
-
I sometimes oversleep.
Watashi wa nebou suru koto ga arimasu.
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She sometimes sings songs.
Kanojo wa uta o utau koto ga arimasu.
-
When I was a child, I sometimes climbed mountains.
Kodomo no koro, yoku yama ni noboru koto ga arimashita.
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There are times when he doesn't attend meetings.
Kare wa kaigi ni shusseki shinai koto ga aru.
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There are occasions when this train doesn't come on time.
Kono densha wa teikoku ni konai koto ga aru.
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There are times when I don't eat breakfast.
Watashi wa choushoku o tabenai koto ga aru.
-
There are occasions when she doesn't answer the phone.
Kanojo wa denwa ni denai koto ga aru.