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Formation: V-ば + V-dictionary + ほど; i-adj-ければ + i-adj + ほど; na-adj + なら + na-adj + な + ほど; N + であれば + あるほど

〜ば〜ほど says that as one thing increases, another changes in proportion. The same word is repeated: first in the conditional form, then in the dictionary form before ほど. It is neutral in register and works in conversation, essays and general statements like 高ければ高いほど. The ば part can be dropped (考えるほど分からなくなる), which sounds a little more written. Compare 〜につれて, 〜に従って and 〜に伴って: those describe a change that happens alongside another change over time and need verbs or nouns of change. ば〜ほど focuses on the proportional link and also works with adjectives and stable states. The main clause should express a change in degree, not a single one-off event.

Variants: 〜ほど (ば omitted)、〜なら〜なほど、〜であればあるほど

Examples

• 練習すればするほど、上手になる。
  The more you practise, the better you get.
• 考えれば考えるほど、分からなくなってきた。
  The more I thought about it, the less I understood.
• 部屋は駅に近ければ近いほど家賃が高い。
  The closer an apartment is to the station, the higher the rent.

In real texts 0 occurrence(s)

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