mmom (Rather)

How It Works

Examples (5)

1. Ɛnyɛ Kofi, na mmom Kwame.

   Not Kofi, but rather Kwame.

   The first part is denied and the second replaces it.

2. Nkasa, na mmom tie.

   Don't talk; rather, listen.

   After a negative command, na mmom gives the better choice.

3. Mempɛ tii. Mmom, ma me nsuo.

   I don't want tea. Instead, give me water.

   Mmom can open a new sentence.

4. Wankɔ sukuu, na mmom ɔkɔɔ adwuma.

   He didn't go to school; he went to work instead.

   Wankɔ is the negative past of kɔ.

5. Ɛnyɛ sika na ɛhia, na mmom ɔdɔ.

   It is not money that matters, but rather love.

   Na mmom completes a denied focus with ɛnyɛ ... na.

Common Mistakes

• Using nanso to replace a wrong item.

  Ɛnyɛ Kofi, nanso Kwame.

  Ɛnyɛ Kofi, na mmom Kwame.

  Nanso means but in the sense of however, and it keeps both parts true. To replace what was denied, not X but Y, use na mmom.

How It Connects

Learn This First

Rather corrects a denial.

• nyɛ (Not Be)Not to Be: Nyɛ

  Mmom often corrects an ɛnyɛ statement.

  Level 1

Related Patterns

• nansoBut: Nanso

  Nanso adds a contrast; na mmom replaces what came before.

  Level 2
• ɛnyɛ ... naIt Is Not ... Who: Ɛnyɛ ... Na

  Na mmom often gives the right answer after ɛnyɛ ... na.

  Level 5
• N- (Negative Command)Don't: Negative Commands

  After a negative command, na mmom gives the better choice.

  Level 2
• na (And Then)And Then: Na

  Mmom often follows na: na mmom, but rather.

  Level 2

Words in This Pattern