GRAMMAR DETAIL
ばかりだ
Indicates that an undesirable change continues to intensify in one direction.
Examples
対策をしなければ、被害は広がるばかりだ。
Unless measures are taken, the damage will only continue to spread.
Words used
この地域では高齢者の数が増えるばかりだ。
The number of older adults in this area keeps increasing.
Words used
何もしなければ状況は悪くなるばかりだ。
If we do nothing, the situation will only keep getting worse.
Words used
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure:
ばかりだafter a dictionary-form change verb describes change continuing in one direction, particularly with concern about worsening conditions. - Basic usage:
何もしなければ状況は悪くなるばかりだ。means that without action the situation will only keep worsening.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- Continuing change versus recent completion
増えるばかりだdescribes a continuing increase, while増えたばかりだmeans the increase has only just occurred. Dictionary form versus ta-form distinguishes a trend from the timing of completion.
- When only a remaining task is meant
あとは送るばかりだmeans that sending is the only task left. This differs from an ongoing trend expressed with a change verb, as in被害が広がるばかりだ.