imbis nga / imbes
Instead of
Use imbis nga (or the variant imbes) to say 'instead of.' It marks an action or item that was replaced by something else.
How It Works
The pattern imbis nga is the standard way to express substitution in Cebuano. While imbes is a common modern variant influenced by Tagalog, imbis is the traditional form.
1. Grammatical Connections:
- + Verb Clause: Use the ligature nga. Verbs following imbis nga should be in the contemplated (not started) aspect (e.g., magtuon) because the action did not actually occur.
- + Verbal Nouns: You can use the pag- nominalized form directly after imbis without a ligature. Example: Imbis pagtuon... (Instead of studying...).
- + Common Nouns: Use the marker sa. Example: Imbis sa kape... (Instead of coffee...).
- + Personal Names: Use the marker kang. Example: Imbis kang Maria... (Instead of Maria...).
- + Personal Pronouns: Use the oblique pronoun forms. Example: Imbis kanako... (Instead of me...).
2. Sentence Structure:
Usually, the imbis phrase comes first to set the context of what was avoided, followed by the actual action. To make the sentence sound more natural, native speakers often add the particle hinuon (instead/rather) after the first verb of the main clause.
3. Register:
In formal writing, you may encounter inay. In casual conversation, stick to imbis or imbes.
Examples (6)
- Imbis nga mopalit, nanghulam na lang siya.
Instead of buying, he just borrowed [it].
Word by Word: Instead that will-buy, borrowed just he.
Here, 'imbis' is followed by 'nga' because it introduces a verb. Note that 'mopalit' is in the contemplated aspect because the buying never happened.
- Imbis pagpalit, nanghulam na lang siya.
Instead of buying, he just borrowed [it].
Word by Word: Instead buying, borrowed just he.
This uses the verbal noun 'pagpalit'. When using the 'pag-' form, the ligature 'nga' is not required.
- Mihatag kog kwarta kang Carlos imbis kang Peter.
I gave money to Carlos instead of Peter.
Word by Word: Gave I-marker money to Carlos instead to Peter.
When referring to a person, 'imbis' is followed by the personal marker 'kang'.
- Imbis nga magtuon, natulog hinuon siya.
Instead of studying, he slept instead.
Word by Word: Instead that will-study, slept instead he.
The use of 'hinuon' in the second clause is a very common way to strengthen the contrast.
- Mikuha siya og tubig imbis sa kape.
He took water instead of coffee.
Word by Word: Took he marker water instead of-the coffee.
For common nouns like 'kape', the marker 'sa' is used after 'imbis'.
- Imbis kanila, kita ang moadto didto.
Instead of them, we are the ones who will go there.
Word by Word: Instead to-them, we the will-go there.
When using pronouns with 'imbis', you must use the oblique form (kanila).
Common Mistakes
Omitting the 'nga' ligature when using a contemplated verb.
Imbis magtuon, natulog siya.Imbis nga magtuon, natulog siya.With a verb, 'imbis' usually takes 'nga': 'Imbis nga magtuon'. Without 'nga', the 'pag-' noun form is also used (e.g., 'Imbis pagtuon').
Using 'nga' for names or common nouns.
Imbis nga kape, tubig lang.Imbis sa kape, tubig lang.While 'nga' is used for verbs, nouns require 'sa' and personal names require 'kang'.
Using 'imbis' where 'kaysa' (than) is the usual word.
Different MeaningMas ganahan ko og kape imbis sa gatas.Mas ganahan ko og kape kaysa sa gatas.'Mas ganahan ko og kape imbis sa gatas' is understandable and means about the same. With 'mas' (more), 'kaysa' is the usual word for a comparison. 'Imbis' is for substituting one thing for another.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand 'imbis nga', you need to be comfortable with the ligature 'nga' which connects the preposition to the noun or action being replaced. It is also helpful to understand how Cebuano handles choices and alternatives using basic conjunctions and the particle 'na lang' (just/instead).
- nga / -ngThe Ligature
The word 'imbis' is almost always linked to the following phrase or clause using the ligature 'nga'.
Foundations - ugAnd
The word 'ug' (and) or 'o' (or) are basic conjunctions that establish the foundation for how Cebuano connects nouns and phrases before moving to contrastive conjunctions like 'instead of'.
Level 1 - na langJust / Instead
The particle 'na lang' is frequently used in the main clause of 'imbis' sentences to emphasize the choice made 'instead'.
Level 2
Related Patterns
- hinuonHowever / Instead
Often used in the main clause following an 'imbis' phrase to emphasize that the action was 'on the contrary' to what was expected.
Level 4 - saOblique and Definite Marker
The marker used after 'imbis' when the rejected alternative is a common noun.
Level 1 - kangOblique Personal Marker
The marker used after 'imbis' when the rejected alternative is a personal name.
Level 1 - mas ... kaysaMore than
Used for comparisons ('more than'), which learners often confuse with the substitution meaning of 'imbis'.
Level 2
Words in This Pattern
Practice imbis nga / imbes in Bubblegum
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