This structure allows speakers and writers to make sentences more dynamic and expressive while showcasing language proficiency and flexibility. However, not everyone applies it correctly. So how do you use “Not only ... but also” properly in English? Read on to learn all the details.
1. What Is the “Not only ... but also” Structure?
The phrase “Not only ... but also” is commonly used to connect two words or phrases that share similar ideas, characteristics, or qualities. It means “not just ... but also”, and is often used to emphasize a feature, action, or trait of something.
Examples:
He not only studies hard but also works well.
Anna is not only lovely but also funny.
2. How to Use “Not only ... but also” in English
When using this structure, it is important to ensure parallelism—both parts connected by “not only” and “but also” must match in grammatical structure and sentence position.
2.1 Emphasizing Nouns
Structure: S + V + not only + noun + but also + noun
Examples:
We will visit not only Singapore but also Korea.
He is not only a doctor but also a writer.
2.2 Emphasizing Verbs
Structure: S + not only + verb + but also + verb
Examples:
Sara hates not only washing clothes but also cleaning her room.
Jimmy not only sings well but also dances perfectly.
2.3 Emphasizing Adjectives or Adverbs
Structure: S + V + not only + adj/adv + but also + adj/adv
Examples:
She is not only rich but also kind.
Jessica drives not only carefully but also slowly.
2.4 Emphasizing Noun Phrases or Verb Phrases
Structure:
S + V + not only + noun phrase + but also + noun phrase
S + not only + verb phrase + but also + verb phrase
Examples:
Studying abroad is not only a great way to learn a language but also an opportunity to make new friends.
Increasing the number of students not only decreases teaching quality but also affects student performance.
3. Inversion with “Not only ... but also”
In formal writing or to emphasize a point, you can use inversion. This means starting the sentence with “Not only,” followed by an auxiliary verb or modal verb, the subject, and the main verb. The second clause remains in normal word order.
3.1 Inversion with “to be” verbs
Structure: Not only + to be + subject + complement, but also + clause
Example:
Normal: Smoking is not only harmful to your health but also costly.
Inversion: Not only is smoking harmful to your health, but it is also costly.
3.2 Inversion with regular verbs
Use auxiliary verbs do, does, or did.
Example:
Normal: Kathy not only dances perfectly but also sings well.
Inversion: Not only does Kathy dance perfectly, but she also sings well.
3.3 Inversion with modal verbs
Structure: Not only + modal verb + subject + base verb, but also + clause
Example:
Normal: Increasing the fuel cost can not only save energy but also protect the environment.
Inversion: Not only can increasing the fuel cost save energy, but it also protects the environment.
4. Common Mistakes with “Not only ... but also”
4.1 Lack of parallel structure
Incorrect: Daisy is not only talented but also a composer.
Correct: Daisy is not only talented but also creative.
The adjective “talented” does not match the noun “composer.” Both elements must be the same type of word.
4.2 Vocabulary mismatch
Incorrect: Kathy drinks not only coffee but also the chicken.
Correct: Kathy drinks not only coffee but also soda.
The verb “drinks” cannot logically apply to “chicken.” The sentence must use words with matching context.
4.3 Incorrect inversion placement
Incorrect: Not only she was a bad-tempered person, but was she also yelled at her son.
Correct: Not only was she a bad-tempered person, but she was also yelled at her son.
5. Alternative Structures to “Not only ... but also”
As well as
Structure:
S + V + noun/adj/adv + as well as + noun/adj/adv
S + V + as well as + V
Examples:
He plays the guitar as well as writes songs.
My sister, as well as my brother, enjoys playing the piano.
Both ... and ...
Structure:
Both + noun1 + and + noun2 + verb (plural)
S + V + both + adj/noun + and + adj/noun
Examples:
I like both coffee and tea.
She is both beautiful and intelligent.
6. Practice Exercises with “Not only ... but also”
Exercise 1: Combine the following using “Not only ... but also”
There are problems with Jame. There are problems with his parents. → Not only are there problems with Jame, but also with his parents.
He can make people funny. He can make people angry. → Not only can he make people funny, but he can also make them angry.
He is the director. He is an actor. → He is not only the director but also an actor.
Clara sent him many letters. She also tried to telephone him. → Clara not only sent him many letters but also tried to call him.
I visit my grandfather in autumn. I also visit him in spring. → I visit my grandfather’s house not only in autumn but also in spring.
She can play the guitar. She can sing rock music. → She can not only play the guitar but also sing rock music.
We need water. We need medicine. → We need not only water but also medicine.
He has been late three times. He hasn’t done any work. → Not only has he been late three times, but he has also not done any work.
Exercise 2: Complete the sentences using “Not only ... but also”
Not only did she finish the project on time, but she also exceeded our expectations.
Not only do I enjoy watching soccer, but I also like playing it.
Not only did he review his notes, but he also studied the entire semester’s material.
She is not only a talented singer but also a gifted pianist.
The Nguyen movie was not only entertaining but also thought-provoking.
Exercise 3: Rewrite the following with inversion
She is not only pretty but also talented. → Not only is she pretty, but she is also talented.
They not only have a farm but also own a hotel. → Not only do they have a farm, but they also own a hotel.
The man not only saved me but also gave me money. → Not only did the man save me, but he also gave me money.
Robots will not only do housework but also guard homes. → Not only will robots do housework, but they will also guard homes.
Master “Not only ... but also” with IDP
The “Not only ... but also” structure is an excellent tool for connecting ideas and adding emphasis to your writing or speaking. By mastering this structure, you will improve the clarity and impact of your English communication. Exploring related grammar forms such as “as well as” and “both ... and ...” can further enhance your fluency.
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