〜ことはない②

About

The 〜ことはない pattern is a combination of the nominalizer こと, the は particle, and ない ("there isn't").

〜ことはない can be used in conjunction with dictionary form verbs to express either ① "there is no need to X" or ② "X never happens/won't happen". This entry is concerned with usage ②.

"X never happens/won't happen"

This usage follows the pattern:

「Casual (dictionary) form verb + ことはない」

E.g. この机つくえはすごく丈夫じょうぶだから、壊こわれることはないよ。 "This desk is very sturdy, so it won't break."

E.g. マイクがうそをつくことはないと思おもう。 "I don't think Mike would lie."

E.g. 花粉症かふんしょうが治なおることはないですね...。 "Hay fever won't get better..."

Summary

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  〜ことはない is used in conjunction with dictionary form verbs

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  ～ことはない has two main usages ① "there is no need to X" or ② "X never happens/won't happen"

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  "X never happens/won't happen" follows the pattern: 「Casual (dictionary) form verb + ことはない」