とすると
If it were the case that, Assuming that...
Structure
［い］Adjective + としたら(1)
［な］Adjective + （だ） + としたら(1)
Noun + （だ） + としたら(1)
(1) とすると、とすれば
Explanation
The case marking particle と can team up with several expressions based on assumption to introduce a hypothesis about a potential result. This is one way と is used to emphasize a particular outcome. The main structures are as follows:
(A) としたら (B) - Supposing (A) is the case, then (B).
(A) とすれば (B) - If we assume (A), then (B).
(A) とすると (B) - Taking (A) as a given, (B) will follow.
Although there are slight variations in nuance, these expressions are, for all practical purposes, used in the same way to discuss a possible (but not definite) outcome. This can be translated as 'supposing that (A)', or 'if it were the case that (A)'.
To use these patterns, simply connect と and your chosen expression to the end of a verb/い-Adjective in its plain form, or to a noun/な-Adjective followed by だ.
- 新しいパソコンを買うとしたら、どれがおすすめ？If I were to buy a new computer, what would you recommend?
- こんなに安いとすれば、何か問題があるはずだ。If it's this cheap, there must be something wrong with it.
- ここが便利だとすると、家賃も高いでしょう。Assuming this is a convenient location, the rent is probably expensive.
- 明日が雨だとしたら、ピクニックは中止です。Assuming that it rains tomorrow, the picnic is cancelled.
Examples
旅行に行くとしたら、海と山どっちに行きたい？
If you were to go on a trip, would you rather go to the sea or the mountains?
これが最後のチャンスだとすれば、絶対に諦められない。
If we assume this is the last chance, there's no way I can give up.
家を建てるとすると、どれくらいお金がかかるだろうか。
Assuming we build a house, I wonder how much money it will cost.
彼が来ないとしたら、会議を始められないよ。
Assuming he doesn't come, we can't start the meeting.
この値段が高いとすれば、買うのをやめよう。
Assuming this price is too high, let's not buy it.
新しいパソコンを買えるとすれば、仕事の効率が上がるだろう。
Assuming I can buy a new computer, my work efficiency would probably improve.
そのうわさが本当だとすれば、ちょっとした騒ぎになるだろう。
Assuming that rumor is true, it will probably cause quite a stir.
大学に合格したとすれば、引っ越しの準備をしないと。
Assuming I passed the university entrance exams, I have to prepare to move.
昨日宿題をやらなかったとしたら、先生に怒られていたはずだ。
Supposing I hadn't done my homework yesterday, the teacher would have definitely been angry with me.
この道が安全だとすれば、夜でも歩いて帰れる。
Assuming this road is safe, I can walk home even at night.
バスが時間どおりに来ないとすれば、電車で行くしかない。
Assuming the bus doesn't come on time, we have no choice but to go by train.
彼の話が全て嘘だとすれば、一体何を信じればいいのだろう。
If we assume that everything he said was a lie, what on earth are we supposed to believe?