To acknowledge a valid point before countering it with a contrasting argument, Swedish uses the structure visst [X], men [Y] (admittedly [X], but [Y]).
The Visst ..., men ... Structure
The word visst usually translates to "certainly" or "sure," but when paired with men (but), it sets up a concession.
Pay close attention to the word order:
- Because visst begins the first clause, the verb must immediately follow it to satisfy the V2 rule (visst
- verb + subject).
- The second clause begins with the coordinating conjunction men, which does not affect word order. Therefore, the subject comes before the verb as usual (men
- subject + verb).
| Admittedly the glamping is secluded, but the price tag is high. | Visst är glampingen avskild, men prislappen är hög. |
| Admittedly the starry sky is beautiful, but the dampness is a problem. | Visst är stjärnhimlen vacker, men fukten är ett problem. |
Weighing the Pros and Cons
You can use this structure to contrast an authentic outdoor experience with its practical downsides. It works across different tenses and with any verb.
| Admittedly the tent is authentic, but the price tag for the comfort is enormous. | Visst är tältet autentiskt, men prislappen för bekvämligheten är enorm. |
| Standard processing applied | Visst blev tältet opraktiskt, men stjärnhimlen var charmig. |
Notice how the first clause always places the verb before the subject, even when using verbs other than är (is) or blev (became):
| Standard processing applied | Visst oroar han sig för myggorna, men bekvämligheten är fantastisk. |
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