non tanto X quanto Y — Not So Much X as Y — Advanced Comparative Constructions — Costruzioni Comparative Avanzate (B2)

Advanced Comparative Constructions — Costruzioni Comparative Avanzate·non tanto X quanto Y — Not So Much X as Y

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Rule reminder

The structure 'non tanto X quanto Y' means 'not so much X as Y' — it downplays the first element to emphasize the second. It can be used with nouns, verbs, adjectives, and clauses. Related structures: 'non (solo) perché X, ma (soprattutto) perché Y'; 'non tanto per X quanto per Y'. These are common in formal argumentation and essay writing.

non tanto X quanto Y — Not So Much X as Y1 / 10

Il problema è _____ economico _____ politico: mancano la volontà e il coraggio di agire.