を控えて (wo-hikaete): With ... approaching; ahead of
～を控えて (wo-hikaete)
Meaning
With ... approaching; ahead of
Formation and usage
N + を控えて／を控えたN
Notation: N = noun; V dictionary = dictionary-form verb; V stem = the stem before ます; plain clause = plain-form clause; negative stem = the form before ない. Follow the attachment shown above.
Explanation
Introduces an approaching event that prompts preparation or affects feelings; distinguish refraining from an action.
Examples
大切な会議を控えて、早めに休むことにした。
With the important event, the meeting, approaching, I decided to rest early.
大切な試験を控えて、早めに休むことにした。
With the important event, the exam, approaching, I decided to rest early.
大切な研修を控えて、早めに休むことにした。
With the important event, the training session, approaching, I decided to rest early.
大切な発表会を控えて、早めに休むことにした。
With the important event, the presentation event, approaching, I decided to rest early.
大切な面接を控えて、早めに休むことにした。
With the important event, the interview, approaching, I decided to rest early.
How related patterns differ
た上で requires a prior step; dictionary form plus 上で sets an activity's scope. 最中に means in the middle, while 拍子に often triggers an accidental result. に先立って precedes an occasion; に際して introduces the occasion itself.