～ついでに — While at it, along the way | JLPT N3 grammar

Meaning

Use it when a convenient secondary action B is added to the main, already planned action A. It does not fit when B is more important, was the real purpose of the trip, or is unrelated to A.

Formation

Vる／Vた＋ついでに・N＋のついでに

When to use it

Where to use it: It fits when the place, route, timing, or preparation for A also creates a convenient chance to do B.
Where not to use it: Do not use it for two equal goals or disguise the real main purpose as a secondary action.

Examples

20 sentences

郵便局ゆうびんきょくへ行くいくついでに切手きってを買ってかってください。
When you go to the post office, please buy some stamps while you are there.
散歩さんぽのついでに図書館としょかんの本ほんを返しましたかえしました。
While out for a walk, I returned my library books as well.
部屋へやを掃除したそうじしたついでに家具かぐの位置いちも変えましたかえました。
After cleaning the room, I took the opportunity to rearrange the furniture.
駅えきまで友達ともだちを送るおくるついでに途中とちゅうでスーパーに寄りますよります。
While taking my friend to the station, I will stop by the supermarket on the way.
コピーを取るとるついでにこの資料しりょうも印刷していんさつしてください。
While you are making copies, please print this document as well.
大阪おおさかに出張したしゅっちょうしたついでに旧友きゅうゆうに会いましたあいました。
While on a business trip to Osaka, I took the opportunity to meet an old friend.
コーヒーを買うかうついでに、眠ねむそうな同僚どうりょうにも一杯いっぱい買っかった。
While buying coffee, I got a cup for my sleepy coworker as well.
犬いぬの散歩さんぽのついでに、丘おかの上うえで朝日あさひを見みた。
While walking the dog, I took the opportunity to watch the sunrise from the hill.

12 more examples

パスポートを更新こうしんしたついでに、次つぎの旅先たびさきも決めきめた。
After renewing my passport, I also chose my next travel destination.
ベランダの花はなに水みずをやるついでに、赤いあかい月つきの写真しゃしんを撮っとった。
While watering the balcony flowers, I also took a picture of the red moon.
郵便局ゆうびんきょくへ行くいくついでに切手きってを買いかいます
While I am going to the post office, I will buy stamps too.
買い物かいもののついでに本ほんを返しかえしました
While out shopping, I also returned a book.
散歩さんぽのついでにごみを出しだします
I will take out the rubbish on my way for a walk.
京都きょうとへ出張しゅっちょうするついでに友達ともだちに会いあいます
On my business trip to Kyoto, I will also see a friend.
部屋へやを掃除そうじしたついでに窓まども拭きふきました
While cleaning the room, I also wiped the windows.
お茶おちゃを入れるいれるついでに私わたしの分ぶんもお願いおねがいします
While making tea, please make some for me too.
駅えきまで迎えむかえに行くいくついでにパンを買いかいます
While going to meet someone at the station, I will buy bread too.
図書館としょかんへ行ったいったついでに展覧会てんらんかいも見みました
While at the library, I also saw the exhibition.
電話でんわのついでに明日あしたの予定よていを確認かくにんしました
During the phone call, I also checked tomorrow's plans.
写真しゃしんを送るおくるついでに住所じゅうしょも教えおしえてください
While sending the photos, please also tell me your address.

Important notes

A is the original occasion and B is the useful extra; the order reflects that hierarchy.

Common mistakes

Use の after a noun: 散歩のついでに.
Do not confuse it with ながら: ついでに requires a shared opportunity, not simultaneous motion.

Check yourself

Pick the translation of each sentence. The wrong options translate similar patterns, so watch the grammar rather than the words.

Sentence 1: パスポートを更新こうしんしたついでに、次つぎの旅先たびさきも決めきめた。 After renewing my passport, I also chose my next travel destination.While the clerk was wrapping the cake, it began to snow outside.Before the cherry blossoms fell, we took a family photo by the river.
Sentence 2: 部屋へやを掃除そうじしたついでに窓まども拭きふきました Throughout the summer holidays I ran in the park every morning.While cleaning the room, I also wiped the windows.While I am healthy, I want to take a long trip with my family.
Sentence 3: 写真しゃしんを送るおくるついでに住所じゅうしょも教えおしえてください While sending the photos, please also tell me your address.The dog hid under the table the whole time the fireworks were going off.Please drink this soup while it is warm.