They will not see this as X, but more as Z.

Does ‘but’ here just show the opposite to the negated verb phrase preceding it?

Here is another example to illustrate using the same sentence but the expanded version:

They will not see this as X, but (they will (not) see this) as Z.

How come ‘not’ can be omitted? Does the ‘but’ omit the modal auxillary ‘not’ because it shows contrast/the opposite to whatever the phrase is parallel to?

Thanks

They will not see this as X, but more as Z.

I don’t see this the same way you do. I think the expanded version would be:

They will not see this as X, but they will see it more as Z.

A similar example would be, “The lion will not see the gopher as a meal, but more as an appetizer.”

So, in my mind, there is no not to be omitted.

Also, not isn’t a modal auxiliary. It’s an adverb that expresses negation. Modals are can, could, would, should, etc.

Thanks. Yeah, that makes more sense. I’m just thinking into these truncated forms too much.

I don’t see this the same way you do. I think the expanded version would be:

Oh and by the way, a colon doesn’t work here. A colon can only be used if a main clause precedes it. Not trying to teach the teachers ,and you possibly just let it slip, but I thought I would have an attempt at imparting knowledge

A colon can only be used if a main clause precedes it.

You’re right. The correct version of my sentence should read, “I think the expanded version would be as follows:”

I taught that rule forever but have decided over the years that “as follows” and similar phrases sound pedantic, so I now choose to ignore the rule. Call me a punctuation terrorist.

Call me a punctuation terrorist.

Haha, I never knew terrorists had a sense of humour.

And yeah, it is being slightly pedantic, but I’m sorry for quoting you:

‘However, if who is correct, why use that and run the risk of sounding uneducated?’

But it is a rule that so many people abuse, perhaps by using their bombs attached to their chests.

I never knew terrorists had a sense of humour.

I don’t particularly like the terms “as follows,” since, as I said, it sounds a but pedantic. If I write a sentence like, “On vacation, we went to Rome, Paris, and Madrid,” I will, of course, not use a colon. Instead of “I do not eat the following:”, I will write “I do not eat ____, ________, and ______.: or “There are three foods I do not eat: _____, _________, and ________.”

However, I will occasionally write, “I think the expanded version would be:” But I usually put the rest of the sentence on a separate line.

This is not exactly grammatical, but I’m comfortable enought with it to break the rule.

If it sounds uneducated, it sounds uneducated.

Nonetheless, I am guilty as charged.