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Why in this sentence the stem of the verb is used instead of the verb 炒める itself?

まず、玉葱を炒め、次に肉を入れて下さい。

Quince Blossom
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1 Answers1

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Most often in literary or written formats, you will see the 'verb stem' used in this way as a less 'colloquial' alternative to the て-form. So your example can also be rendered as follows:

まず、玉葱を炒め、次に肉を入れて下さい。

See also this thesis entitled "On Japanese Coordinate Structures: An Investigation of Structural Differences Between the -te and the i-form", if you are interested to read a rather more detailed treatment on the subject!

Hope that helps!

henreetee
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