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

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

  • He is sometimes late.

    Kare wa chikoku suru koto ga arimasu.

  • I sometimes oversleep.

    Watashi wa nebou suru koto ga arimasu.

  • 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.

  • There are times when he doesn't attend meetings.

    Kare wa kaigi ni shusseki shinai koto ga aru.

  • There are occasions when this train doesn't come on time.

    Kono densha wa teikoku ni konai koto ga aru.

  • 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.