ないまでも (nai-made-mo): Even if not quite; at least
～ないまでも (nai-made-mo)
Meaning
Even if not quite; at least
Formation and usage
Vない + までも
Notation: N = noun; V dictionary = dictionary-form verb; V stem = the stem before ます; plain clause = plain-form clause; negative stem = the form before ない. Follow the attachment shown above.
Explanation
Sets a lesser minimum B even if the ideal A is not reached.
Examples
毎日資料を確認しないまでも、週に一度は時間を取りたい。
Even if I do not check the documents daily, I want to make time at least once a week.
毎日先生に相談しないまでも、週に一度は時間を取りたい。
Even if I do not consult the teacher daily, I want to make time at least once a week.
毎日計画を見直さないまでも、週に一度は時間を取りたい。
Even if I do not review the plan daily, I want to make time at least once a week.
毎日会場を下見しないまでも、週に一度は時間を取りたい。
Even if I do not inspect the venue beforehand daily, I want to make time at least once a week.
毎日十分に練習しないまでも、週に一度は時間を取りたい。
Even if I do not practice thoroughly daily, I want to make time at least once a week.
How related patterns differ
ばいいのに can advise or regret; せめて sets a minimum and なるべく the best feasible effort. あえて deliberately acts despite difficulty. くらいなら prefers an alternative; くらいで treats a reason as minor, てまで marks an extreme price, and ないまでも lowers a requirement.