base 5 form. おう

[spank]

I've seen a verb conjugated in the base 5 form, followed by "tomo".
the phrasal is....
"...見ようともしないで...”　

i've never seen base 5 followed by tomo. can anyone explain? thanks

[zengargoyle]

i'd guess by the little context provided that it's:

供 (とも) (n,vs) accompanying; attendant; companion; retinue; (P);

... 見よう(not together)で... or some such. but it's just a guess.

[spank]

ya man, thanks,
i don't know. all i know is that in my dictionary tomo is also defined as:
（whatever, whoever, whichever）may...

and the example is 何が起ころうとも　＝　whatever may happen

notice, okoru (to happen) in the base 5 form here.
i'm now guessing...見ようとも = may look !?!?
(verb base 5) + tomo = may do (verb)

[zengargoyle]

i think we need more context.

at the end of a sentence it's a strong indicator.
君、本当にUFOを見たのか？　
you really saw a UFO?
見たとも。
i saw it all right.

after adjectives it indicates an approximate limit.
遅くとも来週までにわお返事をください。
please give me an answer by next week at the latest.

with donnani/doredake it expresses absolute determination.
どんなに苦しくとも頑張って走るぞ。
no matter how hard it may be, i'll give it my best and run.

those are from A Dictionary of Japanese Particles (Kawashima). sadly none of them specifically cover the 'after volitional verb, with more stuff following'.

we'll probably have to wait for some more skillful help...

[spank]

here's the sentence.
ラッキーマンは倒れた人を見ようともしないで、ャtァに腰をおろした。

the lucky man, without even looking at the fallen man, lowered his waist to the sofa.

so, i think base5 + tomo + shinaide, means without even doing something...
anyone know any websites that teach more of this japanese grammar?