Elementary - Grade 4
Lesson 8: Sequencing Actions
Linking Actions Together
In Korean, to say you do two things in sequence, you attach a connector to the first verb instead of using "and" or "then."
There are two main connectors: -고 ("and" / "and then") and -아서/어서 ("and then" when the second action builds on the first, or "so"). Both can show order. The difference is whether the two actions are linked.
The Two Connectors
Connector -고
"And" or "and then" — joins separate actions or facts. They can happen one after another, but each one stands on its own.
Verb stem + 고
밥을 먹고 이를 닦아요
"I eat and then brush my teeth." (two separate steps)
Connector -아서/어서
"And then" when the second action builds on the first: it happens at the place you went, with the person you met, or uses the thing you made or bought. It can also mean "so".
Verb stem + 아서/어서
학교에 가서 공부해요
"I go to school and then study (there)." (linked: same place)
How to Form Them
For -고 (And):
Drop 다 from the verb, add 고
가다 → 가고
먹다 → 먹고
보다 → 보고
For -아서/어서 (And then/So):
If last vowel is ㅏ or ㅗ → 아서
Otherwise → 어서
가다 → 가서
먹다 → 먹어서
보다 → 보아서 (봐서)
Example Sentences
책을 읽고 영화를 봐요.
"I read a book and watch a movie." (two separate things → -고)
친구를 만나서 밥을 먹어요.
"I meet my friend and then eat (with them)." (linked: same person → -아서/어서)
집에 가서 숙제를 해요.
"I go home and then do homework (at home)." (linked: same place → -아서/어서)
노래하고 춤춰요.
"I sing and dance." (using -고)
Which One Do I Use?
Ask: does the second action happen there, with them, or with it? Yes → -아서/어서. No, they are just separate steps → -고.
케이크를 만들어서 친구에게 줬어요.
"I made a cake and then gave it to my friend." (you gave the cake you made → -아서/어서)
숙제를 하고 게임을 했어요.
"I did my homework and then played a game." (separate steps → -고)
For "go/come somewhere and then do something there", use 가서 / 와서, not 가고 / 오고.
Two different people? Use -고: 형은 축구를 하고 저는 야구를 해요. ("My brother plays soccer and I play baseball.")
Quick Reference
- -고 = "and" / "and then" (lists, or separate steps in order)
- -아서/어서 = "and then" when the second action builds on the first (there / with them / with it), or "so"
- Can connect multiple actions in one sentence