This phrase means something might happen. It is used even if it seems unlikely. It shows that something is possible.
Clause [plain form] + とも限らないPrimary
This phrase means something might happen. It is used even if it seems unlikely. It shows that something is possible.
相手は強いが、勝てないとも限らない。
The opponent is strong, but it's not impossible that we could win.
公式記録では事故だとされているが、意図的なものだったとも限らない。
Although it's listed as an accident in the official records, it's not out of the question that it was intentional.
彼が忘れるとも限らないから、念のため連絡しておいたほうがいいよ。
It's not impossible that he'll forget, so you should probably contact him just in case.
来ないと言っているが、ひょっこり現れるとも限らない。
He says he isn't coming, but it's not out of the question that he'll just show up unexpectedly.
彼の証言が全て嘘だとも限らない。何か隠された真実があるかもしれない。
It's not impossible that his testimony isn't all lies. There might be some hidden truth.
This grammar point is like a little warning light. It tells you to be careful. Something you don't expect might still happen. It's good to keep this in mind.
This is different from とは限らない. とは限らない means something is not always true. For example, 'Expensive things are not always good.' とも限らない means something might happen. Even if it seems unlikely. For example, 'We might win this time.'
Don't use this when you speak politely. For example, don't say "いきますとも限らない". You must use the plain form of words.
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