Explanation
Expresses that as soon as one action finishes, another begins immediately.
Formation
Verb-ますstem + そばから
Detailed explanation
The 〜そばから grammar point is used to indicate that right after a certain action is completed, another action takes place—often suggesting a repetitive or frustrating cycle.
Examples
掃除をするそばから子供たちが散らかす。
Sōji o suru soba kara kodomo-tachi ga chirakasu.
As soon as I clean, the kids mess it up.
仕事を終えるそばから新たな仕事が舞い込んできた。
Shigoto o oeru soba kara aratana shigoto ga maikonde kita.
As soon as I finished my work, a new task came in.
それを解決するそばからまた別の問題が出てきた。
Sore o kaiketsu suru soba kara mata betsu no mondai ga detekita.
As soon as we solve that, another problem arises.
眠りにつくそばから電話が鳴った。
Nemuri ni tsuku soba kara denwa ga natta.
The phone rang as soon as I fell asleep.
Practice
Grammar content sourced from hanabira.org.