B2–C1 · GFF · GFF016

It is not + focused noun phrase + that + clause, but + replacement noun phrase

Explanation

A reusable frame from “Negation, inversion and focus”. Compare how English and German express negation, inversion and focus. Practise reusable constructions with Russian translations.

Structure

EN · EnglishIt is not + focused noun phrase + that + clause, but + replacement noun phrase

DE · GermanNicht + noun phrase + predicate, sondern + replacement noun phrase

Anchor phrase

RU · Translation

Меня беспокоит не цена, а отсутствие поддержки.

EN · English

It is not the price that worries me, but the lack of support.

DE · German

Nicht der Preis macht mir Sorgen, sondern die fehlende Unterstützung.

Try variations2 · more examples

RU · Translation
Важно не расстояние, а время в пути.
EN · English
It is not the distance that matters, but the time it takes.
DE · German
Nicht die Entfernung ist wichtig, sondern die benötigte Zeit.
RU · Translation
Меня удивил не её ответ, а её тон.
EN · English
It is not her answer that surprised me, but her tone.
DE · German
Nicht ihre Antwort hat mich überrascht, sondern ihr Ton.

Pattern graph

Continue with nearby patterns

GFF014What + subject + need(s) + is + focused noun phrase, not + alternativeGFF GFF013It was not until + time expression/clause + that + ordinary past clauseGFF GFF006Not only did + subject + bare infinitive, but + subject + also + past verbGFF GFF020Subject + be + anything but + adjectiveGFF

03Try variations2 · more examples

Continue with nearby patterns

Try variations2 · more examples