〜としたら・とすると・とすれば

If...; Assuming that...; In the case of...

1. Overview

「〜としたら」、「〜とすると」、 and 「〜とすれば」 are grammatical structures used to express hypothetical situations or conditions. They indicate the speaker's assumption or speculation about a particular scenario.

2. Structure

• Verb (plain form) + としたら
• Noun + としたら
• Verb (plain form) + とすると
• Noun + とすると
• Verb (plain form) + とすれば
• Noun + とすれば

3. Usage Explanation

• Hypothetical Situations:
  These structures are used to speculate about situations or outcomes based on a given condition.

• Condition for Conclusion:
  They often set up a premise from which a conclusion or implication can be drawn.

• English Translation:
  They can be translated as "if...", "assuming that...", or "in the case of...".

4. Example Sentences

1. 明日雨が降るとしたら、ピクニックは中止だ。
   If it rains tomorrow, the picnic will be canceled.

2. 彼が来るとすると、準備を始める必要がある。
   Assuming he comes, we need to start preparing.

3. もしこの仕事が終わったとすれば、次は旅行の計画を立てたい。
   If this work is finished, I want to plan a trip next.

4. あなたがその問題を解決するとしたら、かなりの時間がかかるだろう。
   If you solve that problem, it will likely take quite a bit of time.

5. これが本当だとすれば、私たちは大きな問題を抱えている。
   If this is true, we have a serious problem on our hands.

5. Key Points to Note

• Formality:
  All three structures can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but they are more common in written language.

• Nuance:
  While they have similar meanings, 「としたら」 often implies a more concrete scenario, whereas 「とすると」 and 「とすれば」 can suggest broader or more abstract conditions.

6. Similar Grammar

• 〜場合は: Indicates a specific case or situation.
  • Example: この場合は、別の方法を考えるべきだ。
    In this case, we should consider another method.

7. Alternative Grammar

• 〜なら: A more casual way to express conditionality.
  • Example: 彼が行くなら、私も行きたい。
    If he goes, I want to go too.

8. Summary

「〜としたら」、「〜とすると」、 and 「〜とすれば」 are used to discuss hypothetical situations or conditions, allowing speakers to speculate about potential outcomes based on assumptions. They are versatile structures found in both written and spoken Japanese.