もののalthough; but (in writing)
You grant a fact, then say it didn't lead where you'd expect: bought, but never used. It is the written けど, calm and with no complaint in it.
I bought a new camera, but I haven't used it once yet.
How to form it
Plain form + ものの
Most often after the た-form: 買ったものの, 言ったものの. A な-adjective keeps な: 簡単なものの. A noun takes である: 学生であるものの.
- After it
- Where it fell short: not yet, not enough, can't, don't know how.
- Where you'll meet it
- Essays, news, reports and exam reading passages.
In use
The investigation is complete, but the cause has still not been identified.
I said I would take it on, but I'm not confident I can do it well.
The venue is close to the station, but the entrance is a little hard to find.
Using it is simple enough, but the detailed settings take some getting used to.
ものの or けど?
I've graduated from college, but I still haven't found a job.
Said to a friend.
I have graduated from college, but I have yet to find a job.
The same thing in an essay or a letter.
Close neighbours
のにN4
"Even though", said with feeling: surprise, disappointment, a complaint. ものの has none of that.
Even though I practiced for a long time, I ended up losing the match.
ながら（も）N2
After a state: a verb like 知る, an adjective or a noun. You admit something that sits oddly with what follows. 残念ながら is this one.
Our home is small, but it's a happy one.
つつもN2
Mostly after a verb of knowing or thinking: someone knows better and does it anyway. Stiffer than ながら（も）.
I knew it was wrong, and I lied anyway.
にもかかわらずN2
The formal のに: a result that defies the circumstances, stated as fact. It goes straight onto a noun.
Despite the rain, a large crowd gathered.
とはいうもののN1
ものの can't open a sentence. This can: "that said".
Spring has come. That said, mornings and evenings are still quite cold.
Check yourself
1Which ending fits?
ジムに
Choose an answer to see why.
2Which one fits?
この
Choose an answer to see why.
More sentences
The new system has been brought in, but it has not yet fully taken hold on the ground.
The budget went up, but the staff shortage was not solved.
The new product was well received, but sales fell short of expectations.
I understand it in my head, but I can't seem to act on it.
He is the person in charge, but that doesn't mean he can decide everything on his own.