Using conditional 'ば'


[In this thread on japan-guide.com](http://www.japan-
guide.com/forum/quereadisplay.html?0+27379), we find two seemingly
contradictory statements concerning the conditional particle `ば`.

One poster states:

If A & B are the same subject, B must be non-volitional. Otherwise, B can be
volitional, e.g.:

> [日本]{にほん}へ[行]{い}けば、[富士山]{ふじさん}がみられます

Another poster states that `ば` were used in expressions which reflect the
speaker's will, judgment, permission, view, order or request, e.g.:

> [安]{やす}ければ、[買]{か}います  
>  [早]{はや}く[起]{お}きられれば、 [電話]{でんわ}をかけます/します

How do we reconcile these two statements?

Both do seem correct on their own.




Gramatically there is no restriction on volatility. Practically, however, the
first presenter’s rule is partially correct.

If you say:

> × 早く起きれば、電話します。

Japanese listener thinks:

> It is you that decides whether to wake up early or not. Thus, you must know
> whether you will make a call or not.

On the other hand:

> ⚪︎ 早く起き **られれ** ば、電話します。

is acceptable, because you don't know yet whether you can wake up early or
not.

