Not Only But Also Difference: The phrase “not only…but also” is a useful English expression used to connect and emphasize two words, phrases, or ideas in the same position. It is versatile and can be applied to adjectives, adverbs, nouns, and verbs. Additionally, it can be used to emphasize a point even more strongly when paired with inversion.
This lesson will explain the structure and usage of “not only…but also,” providing clear examples for learners to practice and understand its application in different contexts. We will also look at common errors and explore tips to use this phrase naturally and effectively.
General Structure “not only…but also”
- S + V + not only + Adj/Adv/N + but also + Adj/Adv/N
- S + not only + V + but also + V
This structure helps balance the sentence and emphasize both elements equally. The addition of “but also” after “not only” ensures parallelism, which is a key aspect of good sentence construction in English.
Keep Learning: Types of Inversions
Examples of Usage
1. Adjectives:
- She is not only beautiful but also intelligent.
- She is not only rich but also famous.
2. Adverbs:
- She speaks English not only fluently but also naturally.
- Bob works not only quickly but also efficiently.
3. Nouns:
- I like not only apples but also bananas.
- He speaks not only English but also Spanish.
- He visited not only France but also Switzerland.
4. Verbs:
- I not only sing well but also dance perfectly.
- He not only speaks English but also Spanish.
- He not only insulted her in front of her friends but also threatened to beat her up.
Advanced Usage: Inversion for “not only…but also”
To add emphasis, “not only” can be placed at the beginning of a clause. When this happens, the subject and verb are inverted, creating a more formal or dramatic tone. This structure is often seen in academic writing, speeches, and literature.
Structure for Inversion:
Not only + V/Adj/Noun/Adv + but (he/she/it/they) also + V/Adj/Noun/Adv
Examples:
1. Noun:
- Not only does he speak English, but he also speaks Spanish.
2. Noun Phrase:
- Not only was it raining all day at the wedding, but also the band was late.
3. Verb Phrase:
- Not only will they paint the outside of the house, but also the inside.
4. Adjective:
- Not only is he handsome, but he is also intelligent.
5. With “do/does/did” (when there is no auxiliary verb):
- Not only did she forget my birthday, but she also didn’t even apologize for forgetting it.
Common Errors to Avoid
1. Lack of Parallelism:
When using “not only…but also,” both parts of the sentence should have the same grammatical structure. For example:
- Incorrect: He not only enjoys swimming but also to run.
- Correct: He not only enjoys swimming but also running.
2. Double Negatives:
Avoid using a negative phrase after “not only.” This can make the sentence confusing or grammatically incorrect. [not only but also]
- Incorrect: Not only did she not attend the meeting, but she also didn’t inform us.
- Better: Not only did she skip the meeting, but she also failed to inform us.
3. Overusing Inversion
While inversion can add emphasis, using it too often in casual conversations may sound unnatural. Reserve it for formal or impactful statements.
Practice Exercises
- Complete the Sentences:
- She is not only ___ but also ___.
- They not only ___ but also ___.
- Rewrite with Inversion:
- Example: “He enjoys not only reading books but also writing stories.”
- Not only does he enjoy reading books, but he also enjoys writing stories.
- Example: “He enjoys not only reading books but also writing stories.”
- Correct the Errors:
- He not only loves painting but also to draw.
- Not only did she not attend the class, but she also didn’t submit her homework.
Additional Tips for Mastery
- Vary Sentence Structure: Use “not only…but also” in different ways to practice flexibility. Try applying it to different parts of speech (adjectives, nouns, etc.) in your writing and speaking.
- Listen and Imitate: Watch English movies or read books to see how native speakers use this phrase. Pay attention to tone and context.
- Use in Writing: Practice writing formal essays or creative pieces using “not only…but also.” It can make your arguments more compelling and your descriptions richer.
Conclusion
The phrase “not only…but also” is a powerful tool to add emphasis and clarity to your sentences. By mastering its structure and application, you can make your English more dynamic and expressive. With practice and careful attention to grammar, you’ll be able to use this phrase confidently in both spoken and written English. Start incorporating it into your daily communication to see the difference it makes! [not only but also]
Keep Leanirng: