JLPT N1 grammar

〜ないものでもない／ないでもないmeaning and usage

Meaning

A is not completely impossible; A can be done to some extent

How to form it

  • verb (nai-form)ものでもない
  • verb (nai-form)でもない

How it is used

A double negative, 'it is not that A is out of the question': a guarded admission of possibility or reluctant agreement, often with a condition. 「〜ないものでもない」 is more written; close to 「〜ないことはない」.

Examples

  1. もっと売上を出せるなら君の昇進を考えないでもないよ。

    If you can bring in more sales, I might consider promoting you.

  2. 条件次第では、引き受けないものでもない。

    Depending on the terms, I might be willing to take it on.

  3. そう言われると、あの雲は魚の形に見えないでもない。

    Now that you mention it, that cloud does look a little like a fish.