Question 1

Why do we use mas sim here instead of just mas?

Accepted Answer

We use mas sim to create a direct corrective opposition, meaning "but rather" or "but instead." It actively corrects the false information in the first clause (não era lento) by replacing it with the truth. While mas ("but") simply adds contrasting information, mas sim emphasizes the substitution.

Question 2

Do we need to repeat the verb after mas sim, like mas sim era...?

Accepted Answer

No, it is not necessary. Because the verb (era) applies equally to both parts of the sentence, Portuguese naturally drops it in the second half to avoid repetition, exactly like saying "wasn't slow, but rather a fast carnivore" in English.

Question 3

Why use the imperfect tense era instead of the preterite foi?

Accepted Answer

We use the imperfect (era) because the sentence describes an ongoing, inherent characteristic in the past. The giant's speed was a continuous physical trait, not a completed action or an event contained within a specific timeframe.

Question 4

Could the adjective go before the noun, as in um rápido carnívoro?

Accepted Answer

While Portuguese sometimes places adjectives before nouns for a poetic or subjective effect, objective physical traits like speed almost always go after the noun. Um carnívoro rápido is the natural, factual way to phrase this.

O gigante não era lento, mas sim um carnívoro rápido.

Breakdown of O gigante não era lento, mas sim um carnívoro rápido.

Questions & Answers about O gigante não era lento, mas sim um carnívoro rápido.

Learn O gigante não era lento, mas sim um carnívoro rápido and more in Portuguese