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if / assuming / from the standpoint of
Definition
The grammar pattern 'Plain Form + とすれば / とすると' is used to express a condition or hypothesis. It implies a logical judgment, deduction, or a natural consequence. The verb in the plain form is treated as an assumption or a condition. This pattern often leads to a conclusion or a prediction. For example, '犯人が窓から逃げた______、ここに足跡が残っているはずです.' implies that since the criminal ran away from the window, there should be footprints here. This pattern is often used in situations where we need to make an inference or a logical conclusion based on a given condition.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Plain Form of a Verb | Plain Form + とすれば / とすると | 犯人が窓から逃げたとすれば、ここに足跡が残っているはずです. |
| Plain Form of a Verb | Plain Form + とすれば / とすると | 新しく家を建てるとすれば、静かな郊外がいいと思います. |
| Plain Form of a Verb | Plain Form + とすれば / とすると | 彼が会議に遅れているとすれば、事故か何かがあったのかもしれない。 |
Examples
犯人が窓から逃げたとすれば、ここに足跡が残っているはずです。
Hamigari wa mado kara nigeta to shiteba, koko ni ashiato ga nokotte iru hazu desu.
If the criminal ran away from the window, there should be footprints here.
犯人が窓から逃げた (the criminal ran away from the window) とすれば (if/assuming) ここに足跡が残っているはずです (there should be footprints here)
新しく家を建てるとすれば、静かな郊外がいいと思います。
Atarashii ie o tsukurutoshiteba, shizuka na soto no ga ii to omoimasu.
If we build a new house, a quiet suburban area would be good.
新しく家を建てる (build a new house) とすれば (if/assuming) 静かな郊外がいいと思います (a quiet suburban area would be good)
彼が会議に遅れているとすれば、事故か何かがあったのかもしれない。
Kare ga kaigi ni okurete iru to shiteba, jiko ka nanika ga atta no ka arimasen ka?
If he is late for the meeting, it might have been an accident or something.
彼が会議に遅れている (he is late for the meeting) とすれば (if/assuming) 事故か何かがあったのかもしれない (it might have been an accident or something)
Context
This pattern is used to express a condition or hypothesis, and it often leads to a logical judgment, deduction, or a natural consequence. It is similar to 'toshitara', but 'tosureba' often implies a more logical conclusion. It is often used in situations where we need to make an inference or a logical conclusion based on a given condition.
Watch out
The key difference is that 'to shiteba' implies a condition or hypothesis, while 'toieba' is used to mark the topic of a sentence.
The key difference is that 'tomo' implies a contrast or a concession, while 'to shiteba' implies a condition or hypothesis.
The key difference is that 'to shite' implies a capacity or a role, while 'to shiteba' implies a condition or hypothesis.
Strategy
Pay attention to the context and the verb form used in the sentence. Make sure to use the correct verb form and the correct particle to express the condition or hypothesis.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N3 test-style questions. Each sentence shows Plain Form + とすれば / とすると used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
犯人が窓から逃げたとすれば、ここに足跡が残っているはずです。
Pattern used: とすれば
'とすれば' is used to draw a logical conclusion from a premise.
新しく家を建てるとすれば、静かな郊外がいいと思います。
Pattern used: とすれば
Expresses a judgment or opinion based on the condition of building a house.
彼が会議に遅れているとすると、事故か何かがあったのかもしれない。
Pattern used: とすると
'とすると' (variation of tosureba) suggests a deduction based on his lateness.
Interactive
犯人が窓から逃げた______、ここに足跡が残っているはずです。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.