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Formation: N / V-dictionary + ともなると／ともなれば

This pattern takes a position, age, time, number or situation that stands out from the ordinary and says what naturally follows once that level is reached: 'when you get to be X, things are (of course) like this.' The main clause gives a general or expected consequence, so it usually ends in a description or judgment such as 〜だ, 〜らしい or 〜ものだ. It is not used for requests or for what the speaker intends to do. It is somewhat formal and works in both speech and writing. Compared with plain 〜となると, ともなると puts extra weight on how far the level is from the ordinary. Do not confuse it with 〜ともあろう（者が）, which criticises someone of high status for acting badly, or with 〜ともなく, which means 'idly, without meaning to'.

Variants: 〜ともなれば、〜ともなると

Examples

• 社長ともなると、休日もなかなか休めないらしい。
  Once you're a company president, it seems you can hardly rest even on your days off.
• 十二月ともなれば、街はすっかりクリスマス一色になる。
  Once December comes around, the whole town is given over to Christmas.
• 海外で暮らすともなれば、言葉の問題は避けて通れない。
  When it comes to actually living abroad, the language problem can't be avoided.

In real texts 0 occurrence(s)

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