ようによってはDepending on how
ようによっては says that the result may change depending on how something is done, used, viewed, worded, or handled. It often points to a useful, harmful, or surprising possibility that appears only with a particular approach.
The manner must affect the result
The part ending in よう works like a noun meaning “way of doing.” The rest of the sentence then gives an outcome that becomes possible under some way of doing it. This is more than simply naming a method: the point is that a different approach can produce a different result.
Typical uses
Common combinations include 使いよう, 考えよう, 見よう, 言いよう, and やりよう.
道具の使いようによっては、作業時間を半分にできる。
Depending on how the tool is used, the work time can be cut in half.
AnalyzeThe object being used is stated before の.
同じ失敗でも、考えようによっては貴重な経験になる。
Even the same failure can become a valuable experience, depending on how you think about it.
Analyzeこの案も、見ようによっては十分に価値がある。
Depending on how you look at it, this proposal also has considerable value.
Analyze同じ内容でも、言いようによっては相手を傷つける。
Even the same message can hurt the other person, depending on how it is worded.
AnalyzeChoosing among nearby patterns
方 simply names how to do something. General によっては can make many kinds of factors—such as the person, place, or case—responsible for a different result. 次第では follows a noun naming a determining factor. By contrast, ようによっては specifically builds a “way of doing” expression and says that this manner can alter the outcome.
More examples
やりようによっては、この修理は今日中に終えられる。
Depending on how we go about it, this repair can be finished today.
Analyze気の持ちようによっては、長い待ち時間も楽しい休憩になる。
Depending on your attitude, even a long wait can become an enjoyable break.
Analyze古い布でも、使いようによっては立派な飾りになる。
Depending on how it is used, even old fabric can become an impressive decoration.
Analyzeこの結果は、見ようによっては改善の兆しとも言える。
Depending on how you look at it, this result could be called a sign of improvement.
Analyze厳しい意見も、言いようによっては前向きな助言になる。
Depending on how it is expressed, even a harsh opinion can become constructive advice.
Analyze限られた予算でも、やりようによっては十分な成果を出せる。
Even with a limited budget, sufficient results can be achieved depending on how the work is approached.
Analyze