How to use “~のは”

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For example, the sentence 「食事がついているのはこっちのツアーです。」 is completely correct. It uses the common Japanese grammar structure 「〜のは〜」. Here is a detailed breakdown.

1. Sentence Breakdown and Meaning

  1. 食事がついている:
    • 「食事」: A noun meaning “meal.”
    • 「ついている」: The continuous form of the verb 「つく」 (to be attached or included). It means “is included” or “comes with.”
    • Overall Meaning: Meals are included.
  2. のは:
    • 「の」: Nominalizes the preceding clause 「食事がついている」, turning it into a noun phrase.
    • 「は」: Marks the topic, emphasizing “the inclusion of meals.”
  3. こっちのツアーです:
    • 「こっち」: A demonstrative pronoun meaning “this” or “this one.”
    • 「のツアー」: Modifies 「ツアー」 (tour), indicating “this particular tour.”
    • Overall Meaning: It is “this tour.”

Overall Sentence Translation:

  • “The tour that includes meals is this one.”

2. Grammar Structure: 「〜のは〜」

(1) Basic Form

「〜のは〜」 is a common grammar structure in Japanese, used to nominalize the preceding clause and use it as the subject or topic for further explanation.

  • Structure:
    Clause (Plain Form) + のは + Clause/Noun + です

(2) Function

  1. Emphasizing the Subject or Topic:
    • 「の」 nominalizes the clause, and 「は」 introduces it as the topic.
    • Example:
      • 勉強するのは楽しいです。
        (Studying is fun.)
  2. Explaining/Defining:
    • Used to explain or define a particular aspect of something.
    • Example:
      • 一番好きなのはこの映画です。
        (The one I like the most is this movie.)
  3. Making Comparisons/Emphasis:
    • Used to highlight specific information, often for comparison or contrast.
    • Example:
      • 静かなのは田舎だけです。
        (The quiet places are only in the countryside.)

3. Connection Rules

(1) Verbs

  • Plain Form + のは
    • Example:
      • 走るのは疲れます。
        (Running is tiring.)

(2) い-Adjectives

  • Plain Form + のは
    • Example:
      • 面白いのはこのドラマです。
        (The interesting one is this drama.)

(3) な-Adjectives

  • Stem + な + のは
    • Example:
      • 静かなのはこの部屋です。
        (The quiet one is this room.)

(4) Nouns

  • Noun + な + のは
    • Example:
      • 必要なのは時間です。
        (What is needed is time.)

4. Use Cases and Examples

(1) Describing Characteristics

  • Example:
    • 暑いのは夏だけです。
      (The only hot season is summer.)

(2) Highlighting the Topic

  • Example:
    • 運転するのは彼です。
      (The one driving is him.)

(3) Defining a Concept

  • Example:
    • 必要なのはお金ではなく、時間です。
      (What is needed is not money but time.)

(4) Expressing Emotions

  • Example:
    • 嬉しいのは彼が元気になったことです。
      (What makes me happy is that he got better.)

5. Key Points About 「〜のは〜」

(1) Difference Between 「の」 and 「こと」

  • 「の」: More conversational and often used for specific contexts.
    • Example: 走るのは疲れる。 (Running is tiring.)
  • 「こと」: More formal and abstract.
    • Example: 走ることは健康にいい。 (Running is good for your health.)

(2) Nuance of 「の」

  • Sentences with 「の」 often have a tone of explanation or emphasis, making them suitable for casual or conversational speech.

6. Summary

  • The sentence 「食事がついているのはこっちのツアーです。」 is grammatically correct and natural. It emphasizes that the tour with meals included is a specific one.
  • Core Functions of 「〜のは〜」:
    1. Nominalizing the preceding clause to use it as a subject or topic.
    2. Describing, defining, or emphasizing specific aspects.
  • Connection Rules:
    • Verbs, adjectives, and nouns all connect to 「のは」 with appropriate modifications.

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