Grammar Info

N2 Lesson 1: 19/23

ものなら ①If, If one could, If something would be possible

Structure

Verb［できる］+ ものなら + Phrase

Details

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    物

About ものなら①

Often seen after the potential form of verbs is the conjunction particle ものなら. This grammar pattern expresses that while (A) is not thought to be possible, if it were possible, (B). Common translations include 'if (A), (B)', if one could (A), (B)', and 'if (A) were possible, (B)'.

As ものなら is just a combination of もの and the hypothetical form of だ (なら), ものなら simply states that if (A) were a 'thing', then (B).

Due to ものなら regularly expressing a desired outcome in the (B) part of sentences, this grammar structure will usually be accompanied by てみる or てみたい. Additionally, もし may also appear at the beginning of the sentence to further increase the nuance of 'if'.

てみる is often used for criticism, suggesting that if someone thinks that (A) were possible, then perhaps they should try it. てみたい on the other hand is more commonly seen when (A) is wished for, and the speaker would like to do it if possible.

While not a strict rule, the verb in both the (A) and (B) parts of ものなら sentences is frequently the same. Especially when expressing a desire to do (A).

Examples

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    私(わたし)よりもっと上手(うま)くやれるものならやってみろ！

    If you can do this better than me, I'd like to see you try.

    もしできるものなら、二(に)年(ねん)前(まえ)にビットコインを買(か)ったんだが。

    If I could, I would have bought bitcoins two years ago.

    行(い)けるものなら僕(ぼく)だって大学院(だいがくいん)に行(い)きたいです。

    If I could go, even I want to go to graduate school.

    なれるものなら体操(たいそう)選手(せんしゅ)になりたい。

    If I could become one, I want to become a gymnast.

    直(なお)せるものなら短所(たんしょ)を直(なお)したいが、簡単(かんたん)ではない。

    If I could, I would like to fix my shortcomings, but it is not easy.

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ものなら① – Grammar Discussion

Most Recent Replies (1 in total)

  • Johnathan-Weir

    Johnathan-Weir

    Not sure if it’s worth adding a note but according to some Japanese language YouTube channels, ものなら is sometimes spoken as もんなら.

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