maaaring ... ngunit

May ... but

Level 5

The pattern maaaring ... ngunit (May ... but) is a sophisticated way to hedge a claim. It allows you to grant that something is possible or true while immediately pivoting to a more significant counter-argument or limitation.

How It Works

In advanced Filipino discourse, maaaring ... ngunit functions as a 'concessive hedge.' Unlike the casual puwede ... pero, this pattern signals a deliberate weighing of facts.

1. Structural Components:

  • Maaaring: This is maaari + the linker -ng. It typically precedes a verb in its neutral form, an adjective, or an entire clause.
  • Ngunit: This is a high-register coordinating conjunction. While it means 'but,' it carries a more serious tone than pero.

2. Epistemic Possibility:
While maaari can mean 'to be allowed' (permission), in this specific pattern, it almost always refers to epistemic possibility—the likelihood that a statement is true based on available evidence.

3. Register and Usage:
This is a Level 5 pattern because it requires an understanding of stylistic consistency. Using this in a casual text message would sound unnaturally poetic or 'makata,' but failing to use it in a formal essay might make the writing seem too blunt or informal.

Examples (4)

  1. Maaaring magbunga ng pag-unlad ang teknolohiya, ngunit kailangan din nating isaalang-alang ang epekto nito sa kalikasan.

    Technology may result in progress, but we also need to consider its effect on the environment.

    Word by Word: May result of progress the technology, but need also we consider the effect its on nature.

    This example shows the pattern used in an academic context to balance the benefits of technology with environmental concerns.

  2. Maaaring totoo ang iyong sinasabi, ngunit hindi ito sapat upang mabago ang aking pasya.

    What you are saying may be true, but it is not enough to change my decision.

    Word by Word: May true the your saying, but not this enough in order to change the my decision.

    Here, the speaker acknowledges the validity of an opponent's point (concession) before reaffirming their own stance.

  3. Maaaring palawigin ang kontrata, ngunit dapat itong dumaan sa muling pagsusuri ng lupon.

    The contract may be extended, but it must undergo re-evaluation by the board.

    Word by Word: May extend the contract, but should it pass through again-evaluation of board.

    A typical administrative or legal usage where a possibility is granted subject to a specific condition.

  4. Maaaring mahirap ang simula, ngunit magiging sulit ang lahat ng pagod sa huli.

    The beginning may be difficult, but all the effort will be worth it in the end.

    Word by Word: May difficult the beginning, but will-become worth-it the all of tiredness in end.

    A formal encouraging statement using the pattern to acknowledge a current reality while looking toward a future result.

Common Mistakes

  • Omitting the linker '-ng' after 'maaari'.

    Maaari totoo ang balita ngunit...
    Maaaring totoo ang balita ngunit...

    Because 'maaari' ends in a vowel, it must take the linker '-ng' to connect to the following word or clause.

  • Pairing a formal word with a casual one.

    Different MeaningMaaaring totoo ang sinabi mo, pero...
    Maaaring totoo ang iyong sinabi, ngunit...

    This sentence is fine in everyday speech. 'Pero' is the casual word for 'but'. In formal writing, 'maaaring' is usually paired with 'ngunit', as in the second sentence.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

maaaring ... ngunitLevel 5May ... but

Learn This First

The pattern 'maaaring ... ngunit' is a formal way to concede a point ('it may be that...') before introducing a contrast ('...but'). To use it, you need to understand how to express possibility (maaari/puwede) and contrast (ngunit/pero), as well as how to link these modal words to the rest of the sentence using the linker.

Words in This Pattern

ngunit