JLPT N1 Shinkanzen Grammar Lesson 14: ～ときたら・～こともあろうに・～たるもの (Speaking of... / Of all things... / As someone who...)

～ときたら・～こともあろうに・～たるもの (Speaking of... / Of all things... / As someone who...)

JLPT N1
Shinkanzen N1 • 5 key grammar patterns
Point 1N1_L14_G1

1. ～ときたら

Sentence Pattern
Noun N + ときたら
Meaning: Speaking of... / When it comes to... (usually with annoyance or criticism)

Explanation: Used to bring up a topic, often someone or something close to the speaker, in order to complain or express dissatisfaction.
✓ The following clause always contains criticism, disparagement, or grumbling.
✓ It is NOT used when the following clause expresses the speaker's intention, influence, or expectation.

Example Sentences (2)
うちの犬いぬときたら、私わたしが帰かえっても尻尾しっぽも振ふらない。
Speaking of our dog, it's hopeless—even when I come home, it doesn't so much as wag its tail.
最近さいきんの若者わかものときたら、挨拶あいさつもまともにできない。
Young people these days can't even greet people properly.
Point 2N1_L14_G2

2. ～ともなると / ～ともなれば

Sentence Pattern
Noun N / Vる + ともなると / ともなれば
Meaning: Once it reaches that stage / level / situation...

Explanation: Used with words indicating progression to a certain stage or status, such as entering high school or becoming a company president, or with special occasions such as festivals or New Year.
✓ The following clause describes a state that naturally results once that stage or level is reached.
✓ It is NOT used for the speaker's intention or exhortation.

Example Sentences (2)
大企業だいきぎょうの社長しゃちょうともなると、毎日休まいにちやすみなく働はたらかなければならない。
Once you become the president of a large corporation, you naturally have to work every day without a break.
１２月がつともなれば、寒さむさも一段いちだんと厳きびしくなる。
Once December arrives, the cold naturally becomes considerably more severe.
Point 3N1_L14_G3

3. ～ともあろう

Sentence Pattern
Noun N1 + ともあろう + Noun N2
Meaning: For someone of such a position / status to... (surprisingly or improperly)

Explanation: Used with nouns indicating status, position, or a highly regarded person. It expresses surprise, dissatisfaction, or shock at behavior completely inappropriate for that person's position or expected standards.
✓ N2 is often 人 or 者.

Example Sentences (2)
警察官けいさつかんともあろう者ものが、飲酒運転いんしゅうんてんをするなんて信しんじられない。
It is unbelievable that someone who is a police officer would drive under the influence of alcohol.
大学だいがくの教授きょうじゅともあろう人ひとが、学生がくせいの論文ろんぶんを盗用とうようした。
A person who is a university professor plagiarized a student's paper.
Point 4N1_L14_G4

4. ～たるもの（は）

Sentence Pattern
Noun N + たるもの
Meaning: As someone in the position of... one naturally should...

Explanation: Used with nouns indicating distinguished status, high standing, or major responsibility.
✓ The following clause states the conduct, attitude, or responsibility naturally expected of someone in that position.

Example Sentences (2)
教師きょうしたるものは、学生がくせいに対たいして常つねに公平こうへいであるべきだ。
A teacher should always treat students fairly.
医者いしゃたるもの、患者かんじゃの命いのちを第一だいいちに考かんがえるのが当然とうぜんだ。
As a doctor, it is only natural to put the patient's life first.
Point 5N1_L14_G5

5. ～なりに / ～なりの

Sentence Pattern
N / plain-form V / い-adjective / な-adjective stem + なりに
N + なりの + Noun
Meaning: In one’s own way / within one’s circumstances or ability / appropriate to...

Explanation: Used with expressions indicating a limited or not particularly high degree. The following clause evaluates an effort or action as being appropriate to, and as full as possible within, that limitation.
✓ A very common expression is 「それなり」, meaning 'in its own way' or 'to a certain extent.'

Example Sentences (2)
経験けいけんが浅あさいなりに、一生懸命頑張いっしょうけんめいがんばりたいと思おもいます。
Although I do not have much experience, I want to do my very best in my own way.
安やすいホテルだが、それなりにサービスが良よくて満足まんぞくした。
It was a cheap hotel, but the service was quite good for the price, so I was satisfied.
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