Structure
Verb + より + ほか + (は(1))+ ない
(1) に、には
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Formal
About よりほかない
Used in a similar way to しかない, より他ない is a structure that emphasizes that only (A) is possible, when attached to the end of verbs. This grammar pattern is a combination of the case marking particleより 'than', or 'from', the noun 他 'other', and the い-Adjective, ない. From this it can be translated directly as 'there is nothing other than (A)'. However, the emphasis is usually on the impossibility of doing anything other than (A), rather than the existence of nothing else.
Common interpretations include 'to have no choice but to (A)', 'there is no other way than (A)', or simply 'have to (A)'.
Occasionally, the particles に, は, or a combination of both as には may come between 他 and ない. While this does not change the meaning, it does further emphasize the point that there is no choice but (A).
Synonyms
Examples
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このコースレイアウトだと、刻むよりほかない。
If it is this course layout, there is no choice but to lay up the ball.
給与が悪すぎる。仕事を代えるよりほかない。
The salary is too poor. I have no choice but to change jobs.
教養がなさすぎる。勉強するよりほかありません。
They lack education. There is no choice but to study.
車を出せなかったので、自転車で行くよりほかはなかった。
Because I couldn't get my car out, I had no choice but to ride my bike.
材料が入手できない。休業するよりほかない。
I can't obtain the material. There is no choice but to suspend business.
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よりほかない – Grammar Discussion
Most Recent Replies (1 in total)
electrosuccess
I have a question about example sentence:
泥棒の攻撃から守るためだったため、相手を撃つよりほかなかった
I don’t understand why ため is used twice here. Does it have any special meaning?
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