にしたところで / としたところで

The grammar patterns にしたところで and としたところで express the meaning of "even if," "even supposing that," or "even granted that." They are used to acknowledge a hypothetical situation or concession, only to assert that the outcome or conclusion would not change regardless. The speaker emphasizes that even under the best or most favorable interpretation of a condition, the result remains the same – typically negative or insignificant.

Basic Usage

The pattern attaches to the た-form of a verb (often する) and is followed by a clause stating that the result is still unsatisfactory or unchanged.

にしたところで vs. としたところで

Both forms are largely interchangeable, but there is a subtle difference in nuance:

• ～にしたところで often takes a noun (typically a person) as the topic, meaning "even for (that person)" or "even from (that person's) perspective."

  せんもんか専門家にしたところで、このもんだい問題はかんたん簡単にはとけない解けない。

  Even for an expert, this problem isn't easy to solve.

• ～としたところで tends to emphasize a hypothetical supposition – "even if we suppose that..."

  かれ彼がくる来るとしたところで、なん何もかわらない変わらないだろう。

  Even supposing he comes, nothing would change.

Key Nuances

• The second clause almost always expresses a negative or limited outcome (e.g., むだ無駄だ, かわらない変わらない, たいした大したことはない).
• This pattern is characteristic of formal or written Japanese and is commonly found in essays, editorials, and serious discussions.
• It carries a tone of resignation or realistic assessment – the speaker has already considered the possibility and concluded it makes no difference.

Related Patterns

• ～たところで (without に or と) is the most basic form and is very common at N1 level.
  あやまった謝ったところで、ゆるして許してもらえないだろう。

  Even if I apologize, I probably won't be forgiven.
• ～にしても / ～としても are similar in meaning but slightly less emphatic about the futility of the outcome.