JLPT N1 Grammar: ものを (mono o)

ものを (mono o)

Meaning: I wish; if only; although; even though

How to use the:
Verb-casual + ものを
Adj + ものを

Explain:
Often used in the form of ～ ば ～ も の を to know if what / how was done, the reality was different, with a bit of regret, pity of the speaker.

Example sentences:
1, 黙っていれば分からないものを、彼はつい白状してしまって。
Damatte ireba wakaranai mono o, kare wa tsui hakujō shite shimatte.
If only was silent, I wouldn’t know, but he accidentally confessed it all.

2, せめて、僕にだけは、知らせに来てくれてもよかりそうなものを。
semete, boku ni dake wa, shirase ni kite kurete mo yokarisou na mono o.
I think you might have come and told me.

3, 知らせてくれたら、すぐ手伝いに行ったものを、何も言わないとはみずくさい人だ。
Shira sete kuretara, sugu tetsudai ni itta mono o, nani mo iwanai to wa mizukusai hitoda.
If you let me know, I have come to you right away, but didn’t say anything, why are you so polite?

4, わたしに連絡してくれれば、迎えに行ってあげたものを。
watashi ni renraku shite kurereba mukae ni itte ageta mono o.
If only you had contacted me, I would have come to pick you up.

Attention:
It is possible to use ～ の に without altering the meaning and the structure is only used in writing.