ISORI

〜ついでに

JLPT N3:

while you're at it

Doing something extra while you are already doing something else: "while I'm at it", "on the way".

How to form it

  • Verbs use the dictionary or た-form: 行(い)くついでに, 行(い)ったついでに.
  • Nouns take の: 買(か)い物(もの)のついでに (while out shopping).
  • The first action is the main one; the other is added because it is convenient.

Examples

コンビニに行(い)くついでに、これを出(だ)してくれない？

Since you're going to the shop anyway, could you post this?

買(か)い物(もの)のついでに、銀行(ぎんこう)に寄(よ)った。

I dropped by the bank while I was out shopping.

Common mistakes

  • Putting the main purpose after ついでに. The ついでに part is the main trip or task.