GRAMMAR DETAIL
をおいて〜ない
Strongly asserts that only a particular person or thing meets the requirements and that there is no alternative.
Examples
この難しい役を任せられるのは彼をおいてほかにいない。
He is the only person who can be entrusted with this difficult role.
Words used
この仕事を任せられるのは彼をおいてほかにいない。
He is the only person who can be entrusted with this job.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure: Attach
をおいてto a particular person or thing and deny other alternatives afterward to assert strongly that only that candidate is suitable. - Basic usage:
この仕事を任せられるのは彼をおいてほかにいない。means that no one but him can be entrusted with the job.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- Best choice versus only alternative
彼が最適だrates him as the most suitable among the candidates.彼をおいてほかにいないemphasizes uniqueness by denying that any alternative to him exists.