níl ... ach

Only in a Negative Frame

Level 3

Níl agam ach euro amháin means I have only one euro. The construction combines a negative clause with ach to restrict the set.

How It Works

Níl agam ach euro amháin means I have only one euro. The construction combines a negative clause with ach to restrict the set.

A negative clause with ach can limit the statement to the item after ach. Níl agam ach euro amháin means only one euro is in my possession, not that I have none. Preserve the scope of the restriction when translating the negative-looking Irish form.

Examples (3)

  1. Níl agam ach euro amháin.

    I have only one euro.

  2. Níl anseo ach beirt.

    There are only two people here.

  3. Níor ól mé ach tae.

    I drank only tea.

How It Connects

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

níl ... achLevel 3Only in a Negative Frame

Learn This First

Track the negative bí clause before interpreting ach as a restriction rather than simple contrast.

Words in This Pattern

nílbíach