Back to grammar pattern list

N2

〜ものなら

Meaning

Attached to potential verbs, expresses a hypothetical that is hard to realize: if only one could do it. States something one wishes to do but can hardly do, with longing or challenge. The typical form is 「〜できるものなら」.

Examples

できるものなら、もう一度あのころに戻りたい If I could, I would like to go back to those days once more.
やれるものならやってみろ If I could go, I would rush there right now.
代われるものなら、代わってあげたい If you think you can do it, go ahead and try.

Ask AI about this pattern

Claude Opus

Log in to ask AI about the items you selected (up to 10 times a day).