grammar
не X, а Y
This contrastive construction rejects one option and strongly asserts another. It is useful in persuasive writing, careful explanations, and literary prose when you want to correct an expectation or sharpen a contrast. The first part is negated, and the second part gives the preferred or true alternative. Example: «Этот проект должен не разлучать, а объединять людей.» This pattern is reusable with verbs, nouns, and adjectives in parallel positions.
Этот проект должен не разлучать, а объединять людей.
This project should not divide people, but bring them together.