conditional N2 uncommon politewritten
のであれば — if it is the case that ~ / if so ~
のであれば
Builds on 〜ば
Meaning
- if it is the case that ~ / if so ~ — a formal conditional that picks up an already-established situation as its premise
Key sentence
参加しないのであれば、早めに連絡してください。
If you're not going to attend, please let me know early.
Formation
| Attaches to | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Plain clause (nouns/な-adj take なの) | [clause] + のであれば（= のなら, formal） | 行くのであれば / 必要なのであれば |
When: Formal/written equivalent of のなら; takes up a premise the speaker has just learned or that is given, then states the appropriate response.
Examples
本当に困っているのであれば、相談に乗ります。
If you're really in trouble, I'll talk it through with you.
安いのであれば、二つ買っておこう。
If it's cheap, let's buy two.
Easily confused with
See のであれば in real sentences
Jengo shows のであれば the way you actually meet it: inside real Japanese sentences, so it sticks instead of staying an abstract rule.
Study it in JengoSources Compiled with reference to A Dictionary of Advanced Japanese Grammar.