The aim of this paper is to provide a mechanism for intermediate learners to manage logical sequences in writing Japanese. The conjunction DAKABA-TO ITTE, which comes from the conjunctive KARA-TO ITTE, has not been analyzed extensively, yet it plays an important role in the logical sequence of sentences in Japanese. Therefore, from a language teaching and learning point of view, this paper analyzes the structure of sentences connected using the conjunction DAKARA-TO ITTE in the formula: "P(the antecedent). DAKARA-TO ITTE Q(the consequence).", as well as their functions in the logical sequence of sentences.
P.DAKARA-TO ITTE Q. type of sentences are devided into 7 varieties with special attention given to what follows Q, the consequence. The 7 variaties are as follows:
1) P.(DAGA) DAKARA-TO ITTE Q towa omowanai
2) P.(SHIKASHI)DAKARA-TO ITTE Q mono dewanai
3) P.(SHIKASHI)DAKARA-TO ITTE Q wa/towa ienai
4) P.DAKARA-TO ITTE Q koto wa/koto niwa negative judgment
5) P.DAKARA-TO ITTE Q tewa/no dewa negative judgment
6) P.DAKARA-TO ITTE Q wake dewanai(towa kagiranai)
7) P.DAKARA-TO ITTE doushite Q noka?
Using the formula described above and correcting errors made by students studying Japanese, some particular functions of P. DAKARA-TO ITTE Q. sentences can be clarified as follows:
(1) DAKARA-TO ITTE negates common and stereotypical inferences connected by DAKARA, so as to lead readers to seek the correct inference.
(2) DAKARA-TO ITTE suggests extreme consequence, from the antecedent, which are ultimately refuted. This process demands that the reader figure out the constructive consequence.
In both cases, P. DAKARA-TO ITTE Q. sentences indicate the importance of the text that follows them. Understanding the functions of P. DAKARA-TO ITTE Q. sentences is helpful for teaching logical writing.