Usage of the Suspended Form in Email Communication

Abstract

This study aims to shed light on the application of the "Suspended Form" in emails. A total of 1040 email samples from 31 native Japanese speakers and 34 beginner-intermediate level learners, using 16 tasks, were collected. Analyzing its use, natives utilized the Suspended Form 183 times, while learners used it in only 10 instances. The Suspended Form was applied by natives when addressing superiors or explaining tasks, notably in contexts such as clarifying reasons for absences or canceling event participation. These findings suggest encouraging the use of the Suspended Form in email instruction, tailored to the task's demands.