Could somebody provide a bit more explanation, possibly giving correct and incorrect examples on how to use に with "masu-stem (連用形 stem) + に + Verb" as illustrated in the following examples?
Both feel intuitively sound but I cannot find an explanation that allows me to compose my own sentences.
なお、本状と行き違いにお支払い済みの場合はお許しください
Please forgive us in the case that payment has been completed "in crossing" with this letter(ie while the letter was still on its way)(note1)
そして通りすがりに鐘をならしつつ、かれは隣室へと一同を先導した。
And ringing the bell in passing, he led the way into the adjoining room
What are my thoughts?
- に indicates that (と)行き違い describes the manner in which お支払い(済み) was done and seems to be the same as the に below (despite お支払い済み appearing not to be a verb)
- It looks similar to Nにして/連用形 stemながらにして which "indicates a time[/point] when a surprising [event] takes place"(note2) but does not fit the pattern.
- It seems to be different from the familiar 「を買いにいく」which has a clear purpose and direction ("to go to buy something") or the other use of this pattern covered in another question "How does one use the “[V ます stem] に [Vタ]” pattern (as in 待ちに待った)?".
- Its not an "N1にN2 pair"(because I asked in a previous question)
*Note1: This often appears in payment reminders. The English equivalent is more likely to be "Please ignore this notice if you have already paid (this card and your payment have crossed)" but I think this literal translation is more helpful to solve the question.
Note2: From Dictionary of Advanced Japanese Grammar*