structure · formal

Not only + ... but also + ...

Band 4-5speakingtask2

Used to emphasize that two related facts are true; often both elements are equally important.

Examples

“Not only did she win the prize, but she also inspired her classmates.”

“He is not only intelligent but also hardworking.”

“Not only do students benefit academically, but they also develop social skills.”

Band 8 sentence

“Not only did the policy reduce traffic congestion, but it also encouraged more people to use public transport.”

Collocations

  • Not only + (auxiliary) + subject + main verb ... but also + clause/phrase

Common mistakes

Not only he likes football, but he also plays for the school.→Not only does he like football, but he also plays for the school.

He not only likes football, but also plays tennis.→He not only likes football but also plays tennis.

Say it for a higher band

5and→6both ... and ...→7+Not only + ... but also + ...

Synonyms

both ... and ...

not just ... but ...

Easily confused

both ... and ...

“She is not only punctual but also extremely organised.”

Related words

By the time + clause, clauseWhether + clause (or not)So + adjective + that + clauseEven if + clause, clauseSuch + (a/an) + noun + that + clauseIf + past perfect, would have + past participleOn the one hand + clause; on the other hand + clauseGiven that + clause, + clause

Learn this word with the rest of its set, and get reminded at the right time.

In Complex sentences

Learn it with its set