と言えなくもない【といえなくもない】

one can even say that, it can also be said that

AI-generated

Structure

[noun] + (だ)と言えなくもない [na-adj] + (だ)と言えなくもない [i-adj] + と言えなくもない [verb (plain)] + と言えなくもない

Description

と言えなくもない means "you could say that, I suppose": you grant a claim some truth without fully backing it. It follows a plain-form sentence, and a noun or な-adjective can take だ before と or go without it. The form is a double negative: いえない言えない "can't say" plus なくもない "it's not that … not".

。

You could say his opinion has a point too, I suppose.

、。

Considering the price, you could call it a good deal.

。

You could call this novel an autobiographical work.

The reservation is usually spelled out next, after が or けど.

、。

You could call this film a masterpiece, but it probably won't appeal to everyone.

と言える or と言えなくもない

states a judgment you stand behind. と言えなくもない allows the same judgment while signalling doubt about it.

。

You can call it a success.

、。

You could call it a success, I suppose, but there are a lot of problems too.

The pattern belongs to discussion, reviews and essays. In conversation it shows up softened with ね, as a reluctant concession: まあ、ただしい正しいといえなく言えなくもないね.

Examples

。

One could say his behavior is irresponsible.

、。

You could arguably say this result was as expected, but there were some surprises too.

。

It's not that you can't say there are risks in that plan.

。

You could say her argument is also valid, I suppose.

、。

One could say this area is livable, but the transportation access is poor.

。

One might say that remark was rude, wouldn't you think?

。

It's not that you can't say the effort was insufficient.

、。

You could argue the economy is recovering, but many people don't feel it.

。

One could say this novel is an autobiographical work.

、。

Considering the price, you could say it's a good deal.

と見るや

ないでもない