Use of 〜ないものか　with もうすこし／どうにか／なんとか


Do the following expressions:

>   1. (もうすこし）上手にでき ないものか
>
> I wish I could get a bit better.
>
>   2. (どうにか）直せ ないものか
>
> I wish I could somehow fix it.
>
>   3. (なんとか）でき ないものか
>
> I wish we could somehow do something.  
>  (or: "hmm, I wonder if we can't somehow do something?..")
>
>

mean:

> A. "I can't ~",
>
> B. "I wish I could ~ (but I can't)", or
>
> C. "I can't ~ but wonder if I could~ (if I tried harder/thought a bit more a
> bit more about it)"?

How does the addition/removal of (i) the expressions in brackets
(もうすこし／どうにか／なんとか), (ii) だろう（ie ~ものだろうか） and (iii) context in which the
expression is used change the meaning?

I ask because normally a sentence ending in ~ものか is a strong denial (or does
this only apply when attached to a verb in plain affirmative form (eg 似合うもんか,
"It doesn't suit you"?).

The translations are my own/taken from my notes for reference but I am not
confident about conveying the correct impression when I used these terms.

**Supplementary question** : How is this used in polite speech? Can ~ものですか be
used?




**ものか is used in 1,2 & 3 with a potential negative verb (-> 〜ないものか) to
indicate the speaker wants to do something or is wondering what choice he/she
should make.** _This is distinct from the use of ものか to express strong
disagreement or negative intention_ , _which is typically with the non-past
plain form of a verb_ (but can also be used with adjectives and nouns).

With respect to A, B & C: The expressions 1,2 & 3 all mean "I wish.....", the
speaker might use the expression to imply whether he/she "can/can't" do
something but it depends on them and the situation. The addition of **だろう** ,
as in **ないものだろうか** softens the expression of desire from "I wish" to "I wonder
if I can....".

「ないもの（だろう）か」 is commonly used with expressions such as **もうすこし／どうにか／なんとか**
when they simply add the meaning "a bit" or "somehow" in the same way they do
in English sentences 1,2 & 3 above.

The phrase can also be used with other "non-potential negative" verbs to
indicate something beyond human control eg:

> 人の性格は変わらないものだろうか (I wonder if a person's character ever changes?)

**Supplementary question:** Both ないものか and ないものだろうか are used in spoken Jse
(m&f) along with ないものでしょうか and ものかしら(f). (I can't find any reference
explaining the use of ないものですか but the alternative use of ものか for disagreement
can take the form もんですか in female speech.)

_References: "this page" link from cypher (above) and Dict. of Adv Jse Gmr
(Makino)_

_Note: This answer is based on text-books. There is more technical detail in
the references but further comment from practical experience is welcome._




**ものか is used in 1,2 & 3 with a potential negative verb (-> 〜ないものか) to
indicate the speaker wants to do something or is wondering what choice he/she
should make.** _This is distinct from the use of ものか to express strong
disagreement or negative intention_ , _which is typically with the non-past
plain form of a verb_ (but can also be used with adjectives and nouns).

With respect to A, B & C: The expressions 1,2 & 3 all mean "I wish.....", the
speaker might use the expression to imply whether he/she "can/can't" do
something but it depends on them and the situation. The addition of **だろう** ,
as in **ないものだろうか** softens the expression of desire from "I wish" to "I wonder
if I can....".

「ないもの（だろう）か」 is commonly used with expressions such as **もうすこし／どうにか／なんとか**
when they simply add the meaning "a bit" or "somehow" in the same way they do
in English sentences 1,2 & 3 above.

The phrase can also be used with other "non-potential negative" verbs to
indicate something beyond human control eg:

> 人の性格は変わらないものだろうか (I wonder if a person's character ever changes?)

**Supplementary question:** Both ないものか and ないものだろうか are used in spoken Jse
(m&f) along with ないものでしょうか and ものかしら(f). (I can't find any reference
explaining the use of ないものですか but the alternative use of ものか for disagreement
can take the form もんですか in female speech.)

_References: "this page" link from cypher (above) and Dict. of Adv Jse Gmr
(Makino)_

_Note: This answer is based on text-books. There is more technical detail in
the references but further comment from practical experience is welcome._

