Meaning & usage
ともすると expresses that something undesirable is likely to happen or tends to happen unless people are careful. It is used as a fixed adverb at the start of a sentence or clause, with no conjugation and no direct attachment to a noun, adjective, or verb form. It often appears with expressions of tendency such as なりがちだ, なりやすい, or てしまう. It sounds slightly formal and written, and it normally describes negative outcomes rather than neutral or positive ones.
Example sentences 8
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ともすると残業が当たり前になってしまう職場もある。
In some workplaces, overtime tends to become the norm.
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ともすると小さなミスが大きな事故につながることもある。
A small mistake can, if one is not careful, lead to a major accident.
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ネットではともすると噂が事実のように広まる。
On the internet, rumors tend to spread as if they were facts.
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ともすると朝食を抜いてしまうことがある。
If you're not careful, you can end up skipping breakfast.
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ともするとスマホばかり見てしまう。
We tend to end up looking at our phones all the time.
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ともすると会議は長くなりがちだ。
Meetings are apt to run long.
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ともすると運動不足になりやすい。
You can easily end up not getting enough exercise.
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ともすると甘い物を食べすぎる。
One tends to eat too many sweets.
