Lesson notes · ≈ JLPT N3 · Intermediate 3
qualified yes; not impossible
「〜ないことはない」 gives a qualified yes, showing something is not entirely rejected or impossible.
The speaker accepts that uniforms are needed and also understands students wanting to choose their own clothes.
A double negative shows that something is not entirely rejected, or that a possibility does exist.
For verbs and い-adjectives, use the negative form: 行かない or 安くない + ことはない.
For nouns and な-adjectives, connect with 「ではない」, as in 必要ではないことはない.
「ないこともない」 also expresses qualified agreement, more gently than a direct affirmation.
In the uniform example, first read 「思わないことはありません」 as “I do think they are necessary.”
In the club example, first read 「賛成できないこともありません」 as “I can agree to some extent.”
After 「が」, the two examples mention choosing clothes freely and growing together, explaining the reservations about full agreement.
It's not that I don't think uniforms are necessary, but I also understand the feelings of students who want to choose their own clothes freely.
A: Did you post your opinions about improving the new school rules on the bulletin board?
B: Yes, it's not that I wasn't nervous about posting under my real name, but I wrote it because I wanted everyone to think about it.
Level 1 · Recognise
Which sentence is correct?
Level 1 · Recognise
Listen and choose the meaning
Level 2 · Build
Put the words in order
I don't think uniforms are unnecessary, but I also understand the feelings of students who want to choose their clothes freely.
Level 3 · Use
What goes in the blank?
制服は必要だと____、自由に服を選びたい学生の気持ちも分かります。
I don't think uniforms are unnecessary, but I also understand students who want to choose their own clothes.
It's not that I can't agree with the opinion that club activities are tough, but there is also an aspect of being able to grow together with peers.
A: Since your opinion is calm and objective, I think many people will agree with it.
