How do you translate a subordinate clause, introduced by a negation?

Question

I want to translate *The choice of confectus for continue seeks to convey the function of the control structure, not the literal meaning of the English word.*

To translate the last clause introduced by not, I would begin by first targeting something that would rather translate instead of the literal meaning…, which I would render with something like pefere ol la laŭvorta traduko de Angla.

First, is this approach fine?

Secondly, is there a valid way to translate that in a more direct manner like ", ne la laŭvortan signifon de Angla vorto"?

Answer 1

perefe ol or prefere al?

My preference would be for your final suggestion, but remember it's still the object of convey:

• ne la laŭvortan signifon de Angla vorto

Answer 2

I think "ne" works well to introduce subordinate clauses. "Prefere" has a different nuance. Compare:

• Mi volas la pomon, ne la piron. (If you can't have the apple, you'd have nothing, because you don't want the pear.)

• Mi volas la pomon, prefere ol la piron. (Here, you'd prefer the apple, but could consider the pear if the apple is not avaliable.)

It works the same with longer clauses:

• Mi volas ĝuste tiun ĉemizon, ne ajnan ĉemizon kiun vi aĉetis en la vendejo.