imma / iżda

Joining a Contrast

Level 2

Put imma or iżda before the contrasting point.

How It Works

Imma and iżda introduce contrasting expressions or clauses. Neither changes for person, gender, or number. Each predicate retains its own agreement and polarity. The connector itself does not negate either claim.

In Il-kamra żgħira imma komda, “The room is small but comfortable,” both descriptions hold. Both adjectives describe a feminine singular noun. In Marija ħadmet, iżda Pawlu ma ħadimx, “Marija worked, but Pawlu did not work,” the clauses have different subjects and polarity.

A corrective contrast works differently: Il-bieb mhux blu imma aħdar, “The door is not blue but green.” Green replaces the rejected colour. Both connectors can introduce a corrective contrast. Keep the agreement required by each description.

Examples (3)

  1. Il-kamra żgħira imma komda.

    The room is small but comfortable.

    Both feminine singular descriptions hold.

  2. Marija ħadmet, iżda Pawlu ma ħadimx.

    Marija worked, but Pawlu did not work.

    The clauses retain independent subject agreement and polarity.

  3. Il-bieb mhux blu imma aħdar.

    The door is not blue but green.

    The second colour replaces the rejected first colour.

How It Connects

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

imma / iżdaLevel 2Joining a Contrast

Learn This First

Distinguish a contrast preserving both claims from a correction replacing a denied description. The connectors mark the relationship while each predicate keeps its own agreement and polarity.

Learn Next

Patterns that build on this one.