るばかりだ・
This construction says that all preparation or prior conditions are complete and only one final action remains. It often corresponds to “all that remains is to...” or “ready to...” in English.
What the construction focuses on
The verb names the final action, not the preparation. The context must establish that the earlier work is already finished. Words such as あとは and ただ help present that action as the only remaining step.
The final step
荷造りも切符の確認も済んだ。あとは家を出るばかりだ。
The packing is done, and the tickets have been checked. All that remains is to leave the house.
AnalyzeThe packing and ticket check establish the completed preparation; leaving is the sole remaining action.
Describing a prepared state
The longer forms describe how things have been arranged or what stage they have reached.
資料はすべて封筒に入れ、宛名も確認し、発送するばかりにしてある。
All the documents have been put in envelopes and the addresses checked, so they are ready to be sent.
Analyzeにしてある presents the ready state as something deliberately arranged.
新システムはすべての試験を終え、正式に稼働するばかりになっている。
The new system has completed all testing and is now ready to go into official operation.
Analyzeになっている describes the stage the situation has reached.
舞台装置の点検は終わり、幕を上げるばかりの状態だ。
The stage equipment has been checked, and everything is ready for the curtain to rise.
AnalyzeReady versus just about to start
出発するばかりだ says that preparations are complete and departure is the only remaining step. 出発するところだ places the departure immediately before its start; it does not itself emphasize completed preparation.
The same shape can describe a continuing trend
Do not identify every dictionary-form verb plus ばかりだ as readiness. With a change verb, the same shape can say that a trend keeps moving in one direction. That reading has no completed preparation or final remaining step.
原材料費が上がり続け、製品価格も高くなるばかりだ。
Raw-material costs keep rising, and product prices are only getting higher.
AnalyzeThis is the one-direction trend use, not the ready-state use taught on this page.
More examples
申込書は記入し、必要書類も添えた。あとは窓口に提出するばかりだ。
The application is filled out and the required documents are attached. All that remains is to submit it at the counter.
Analyze料理は盛り付けも終わり、客に出すばかりにしてある。
The food has been plated and is ready to be served to the guests.
Analyze機体は点検と給油を終え、離陸するばかりになっている。
The aircraft has been inspected and fueled and is ready for takeoff.
Analyze原稿は校正も組版も済み、印刷に回すばかりの段階だ。
The manuscript has been proofread and typeset and is at the stage where it only needs to be sent to print.
Analyze照明と音響の確認も終わった。あとは開演を待つばかりだ。
The lighting and sound checks are finished. All that remains is to wait for the show to begin.
Analyze契約書は双方が内容を確認し、あとは署名するばかりだ。
Both parties have reviewed the contract, so all that remains is to sign it.
Analyze