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Formation: V-た form + ところ、; V-た form + ところが、 (stresses an unexpected result)

〜たところ connects a deliberate action with the result or discovery that followed it: you did X, and then found out Y or Y happened. The first clause is normally an intentional action (asking, checking, trying), and the main clause is in the past tense and describes something outside your control. It cannot be your next deliberate action, a request or an intention. It is fairly formal and common in reports, news articles and polite explanations. In meaning it is close to discovery 〜たら, but it sounds more formal and businesslike. Do not confuse it with 〜たところで (even if you do X, it's no use) or with 〜たところだ (have just done).

Variants: 〜たところが

Examples

• 駅員に尋ねたところ、電車は事故で止まっているとのことだった。
  When I asked a station attendant, I was told the trains had stopped because of an accident.
• 試しに値段を下げてみたところ、売り上げが倍に伸びた。
  When we tried lowering the price, sales doubled.
• 市が調査したところ、住民の半数以上が計画に反対していることがわかった。
  A survey by the city found that over half the residents oppose the plan.

In real texts 0 occurrence(s)

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