JLPT N2 reference · Complex syntax
ないことはない
It gives a guarded positive: something is possible or true, but with reservations.
Core meaning and form
Repeat a negative predicate around ことは: 行けないことはない. Intonation and the following context usually supply the limitation.
- Form: Repeat a negative predicate around ことは: 行けないことはない.
- Core use: It gives a guarded positive: something is possible or true, but with reservations.
- Context: Intonation and the following context usually supply the limitation.
Examples in context
食べられないことはないが、好きではない。Taberarenai koto wa nai ga, suki dewa nai.I can eat it, but I do not like it.
今からでも間に合わないことはない。Ima kara demo maniawanai koto wa nai.It is not impossible to make it even starting now.
彼の意見も分からないことはない。Kare no iken mo wakaranai koto wa nai.I can understand his opinion to some extent.
Common errors
- Do not select this pattern from an English translation alone; check its attachment and discourse function.
- Keep the surrounding sentence in a consistent plain, polite, spoken, or written register.
Quick summary
- Repeat a negative predicate around ことは: 行けないことはない.
- It gives a guarded positive: something is possible or true, but with reservations.
- Intonation and the following context usually supply the limitation.