ものなら ①If, If one could, If something would be possible

Often seen after the potential form of verbs is the conjunction particle ものなら. This grammar pattern expresses that while (A) is not thought to be possible, if it were possible, (B). Common translations include 'if (A), (B)', if one could (A), (B)', and 'if (A) were possible, (B)'.

As ものなら is just a combination of もの and the hypothetical form of だ (なら), ものなら simply states that if (A) were a 'thing', then (B).

Due to ものなら regularly expressing a desired outcome in the (B) part of sentences, this grammar structure will usually be accompanied by てみる or てみたい. Additionally, もし may also appear at the beginning of the sentence to further increase the nuance of 'if'.

てみる is often used for criticism, suggesting that if someone thinks that (A) were possible, then perhaps they should try it. てみたい on the other hand is more commonly seen when (A) is wished for, and the speaker would like to do it if possible.

While not a strict rule, the verb in both the (A) and (B) parts of ものなら sentences is frequently the same. Especially when expressing a desire to do (A).