ものとして
Assuming, Supposing, (Interpret) as, On the assumption, Regarding, Considering
Structure
［い］Adjective + ものとして
［な］Adjective + な(1) + ものとして
Noun + である + ものとして
(1) である
Explanation
As with many grammatical structures that employ もの, this noun indicates that the preceding word or phrase is being presented as a firm premise. By adding として, meaning ‘as (A)’ or ‘in the capacity of (A)’, the speaker establishes a condition that is treated as true for the purpose of moving forward. In English, this is best expressed as ‘on the assumption that (A)’, or ‘taking it for granted that (A)’.
ものとして is most often seen after verbs, and nouns followed by な. However, it may also occasionally be used with い-Adjectives.
- 飛行機の予約ができたので、旅行に行くものとして準備をしよう。Since the plane tickets are booked, let's start preparing on the assumption that we're going on the trip.
- このデータが正しいものとして、話し合いを進めましょう。Let's proceed with the discussion, taking for granted that this data is correct.
- 旅行先は寒いものとして厚手の服を持っていったが、毎日暑かった。I packed warm clothes assuming it would be cold at our destination, but it turned out to be hot every day.
- その計画は危険なものとして、すぐに却下された。On the grounds that the plan was dangerous, it was immediately rejected.
Caution
While として by itself indicates that something is viewed as (A) because it is accepted as such, ものとして uses もの to introduce a premise. This means that (A) is not necessarily a proven fact, but is being accepted as true for the current context. In short, もの frames the preceding clause as a 'given' that allows the next action to proceed.
Let’s compare the nuance between として and ものとして.
- 彼女の証言は嘘として、無視された。Her testimony was treated as a lie and was ignored.
- 彼女の証言は嘘ものとして、無視された。Her testimony was ignored on the assumption that it was a lie. (Slightly more procedural, as if setting a temporary condition to move on)
Examples
契約書にサインした時点で、すべての条件に同意したものとして扱います。
Once you sign the contract, you will be regarded as having agreed to all the conditions.
証人が現れない以上、その証言はなかったものとして捜査を進めます。
Given that the witness will not appear, we will proceed with the investigation as if that testimony does not exist.
予算は承認されたものとして、プロジェクトの次の段階に進んでください。
Please proceed to the next stage of the project on the assumption that the budget has been approved.
申込み期間を過ぎての応募は、すべて無効であるものとして処理します。
All applications submitted after the deadline will be considered invalid.
この実験では、外部からの影響は一切ないものとして、データを分析します。
For this experiment, we will analyze the data assuming there are absolutely no external influences.
会議に欠席した者も、その決定事項には賛成したものとして扱います。
Those who were absent from the meeting will also be treated as having agreed to the decisions made.