Explanation
Expresses a repeated pattern of action; translates as 'every time', 'whenever', etc.
Formation
Verb-て form + は + Verb
Detailed explanation
This grammar point is used when you want to express a repeated or cyclical pattern of actions or events. It can be translated as 'every time', 'whenever', or 'if at all'. The typical formation is a verb in the て-form, followed by は, and then another verb (often in the same tense or a continuing action).
Examples
Watashi ga tsūkin shite wa, denshi shoseki o yonde imasu.
Whenever I commute, I read e-books.
Tomodachi ga heya ni kite wa, gēmu o shite imasu.
Every time my friend comes to my room, we play games.
Kare ga sake o nonde wa, unten o tome sasete imasu.
Whenever he drinks alcohol, I make him stop driving.
Watashi ga atarashii kyoku o tsukutte wa, sugu ni rokuon shimasu.
Every time I create a new song, I record it immediately.
Practice
Grammar content sourced from hanabira.org.