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Formation: V-dictionary / V-た + ついでに; N (action noun) + の + ついでに; ついでに (adverb, standalone)

〜ついでに says that while doing X, which is the main purpose, you take the chance to also do Y, which is a minor extra. Y is usually a deliberate action by the same person, and it would not be worth doing on its own. It is everyday language, used in both speech and writing, and ついでに also works alone as an adverb meaning 'while you're at it'. 〜ながら and 〜つつ describe two actions happening at the same moment with no ranking between them, whereas ついでに clearly treats Y as secondary. The literary がてら is similar but mostly follows nouns of movement such as 散歩がてら.

Variants: のついでに、ついでに (adverb)、ついでと言っては何ですが (polite set phrase)

Examples

• 郵便局へ行くついでに、この手紙も出してきてくれる？
  Since you're going to the post office anyway, could you mail this letter too?
• 出張のついでに、大学時代の友人に会ってきた。
  While I was away on business, I took the chance to see a friend from university.
• 部屋を掃除したついでに、本棚も整理した。
  Since I was cleaning my room anyway, I tidied the bookshelves too.

In real texts 0 occurrence(s)

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