느라고 [Intermediate Grammar]

 - 느라고

→ It adds to a stem of an action verb indicating a preceding clause is a 'reason' or the 'purpose' of the latter clause. For the 'reason,' the preceding clause has been done for a while resulting in a negative influence on the subject at the same time. Therefore the subjects of both the preceding clause and the latter clause are the same, and the preceding action should be limited to an action verb being done consistently, the time when both actions happened should coincide. For the latter clause, none of the imperative sentences -neither a command nor a suggestion- can not be used.

Example: 

1. 손님 대접을 하느라고 저는 제대로 먹지 못했습니다. 

Since I treated the guests, I wasn't able to eat properly.

2. 집수리를 하느라고 돈을 많이 썼습니다.
Since I repaired my house, I spent a lot of money.

3. 군대에 갔다 오느라고 대학 졸업하는 데 7년이나 걸렸습니다.

 Since I served in the military, it took me 7 years to graduate.

* When it is used as the meaning of a 'purpose,' it means the speaker takes action in order to achieve a preceding action. Usually, the speaker does the latter action 'on purpose' to complete his/her goal.

Example: 

1. 남대문 시장에 가느라고 버스를 두 번이나 갈아탔어요.

     In order to go to Namdaemun Market, I transferred between buses two times.

2. 고향에 갔다 오느라고 휴가를 얻었습니다.
    In order to visit my hometown, I took a vacation.

3. 한국 신문을 읽느라고 옥편을 샀어요.
    In order to read Korean newspapers, I bought a dictionary of Chinese characters.

More example:

1. 삼계탕을 먹느라고 땀을 뻘뻘 흘렸어요.

2. 반대하시는 부모님을 설득하느라고 힘이 들었어요.

3. 어제 친구를 만나느라고 저녁 뉴스를 못 들었어요.