～(よ)うにも～ない

How to form it

• Verb (volitional form) + にも + same verb (potential negative)

Register: Neutral

Explanation

Says that you want to do something but are prevented by circumstances.

The verb is repeated: the volitional form followed by the negative potential form. It often follows a reason such as lack of time, money or information.

Examples

1. 道が分からなくて、行こうにも行けない。

   みちがわからなくて、いこうにもいけない。

   I don't know the way, so even if I wanted to go, I couldn't.

2. 財布を忘れて、買おうにも買えなかった。

   さいふをわすれて、かおうにもかえなかった。

   I forgot my wallet, so I couldn't buy it even though I wanted to.

3. 携帯がないので、連絡しようにも連絡できない。

   けいたいがないので、れんらくしようにもれんらくできない。

   I don't have my phone, so I can't get in touch even if I want to.

Compare with

• ～ようがない: ようがない says there is no method; ようにもない says one cannot because of a circumstance, despite the wish.

Common mistakes

• Forgetting to repeat the verb in the potential negative form.