How to differentiate between separate meanings of て form?


Sometimes the て form has an adverbial meaning like: 重ねて or 歩いて行く and sometimes
it functions as a way to connect two sentences. Is there an easy way to
differentiate between what meaning is being used?




If there is a comma after the first verb in te-form, you're lucky, because it
_tends_ to be sequential actions ("V1 and V2", "V1, then V2"). The first verb
[can be a reason](https://www.learn-japanese-adventure.com/te-form-cause-
reason.html) for the second verb.

>   * 朝起きて、顔を洗う。 (sequential actions)
>   * 彼女に会って、話をします。 (sequential actions)
>   * 電車が遅れて、遅刻した。 (sequential actions / reason)
>

If there is no comma, it can _also_ refer to methods or surrounding
events/situations, "V2 while V1" or "V2 by/with V1-ing". The correct meaning
depends on the context.

>   * 急いで顔を洗う。 (situation)
>   * 歩いて学校に行く。 (method)
>   * 朝起きて顔を洗う。 (sequential actions)
>

"Context" may be a disappointing answer, but English also has many context-
dependent words that confuses people who learn English as the second language.
For example, "as he speaks" means both "while he speaks" and "because he
speaks". "She must be a pro" means both "she has to be a pro" and "she is
certainly a pro". You can soon get used to such ambiguous constructions once
you've understood the possible meanings.

