Not Only But Also - Meaning, Examples, Exercises

Typically, this arrangement of wording is designed to provide emphasis.

Not Only But Also + other Conjunctions - Exercise and Quiz

This exercise helps students practice using Not only... but also, Either... or, and Neither... nor.

What Does "Not Only... But Also" Mean?

This phrase is used to show two qualities, actions, or ideas where both are important. The structure emphasizes that both are true, but there is a special emphasis on the second idea.

For example:

"She is not only smart but also hardworking."

In this sentence, the person has two important qualities:

She is smart.
She is hardworking.

By using "not only... but also," we make it clear that both qualities are important.

The Structure of "Not Only... But Also"

The basic structure of this phrase is:

Not only + [first thing] + but also + [second thing]

Let's break it down:

Not only introduces the first part.
But also introduces the second part, which often carries a stronger emphasis.

Here’s a table to help you understand:

Part 1	Part 2	Example
Not only + action/noun	but also + action/noun	"Not only does she dance, but she also sings."

How to Use "Not Only... But Also" in a Sentence

You can use this structure with verbs, adjectives, and nouns. Here’s how:

With Verbs:

"He not only studied hard but also passed the test."
"She not only cooked dinner but also cleaned the kitchen."

With Adjectives:

"The movie was not only long but also boring."
"The trip was not only fun but also educational."

With Nouns:

"I bought not only a book but also a magazine."
"They invited not only their family but also their friends."

Common Errors with "Not Only... But Also"

Even though this structure is simple, some learners make common mistakes. Let’s look at a few and how to fix them:

Common Mistake	Correct Form
"Not only she sings, but also dances."	"Not only does she sing, but she also dances."
"He not only likes pizza but also pasta."	"He likes not only pizza but also pasta."
"The movie was not only exciting but also."	"The movie was not only exciting but also funny."

Tip: When using verbs, remember to add an auxiliary verb (like does, is, or has) after "not only" if you're using the structure at the beginning of a sentence.

Everyday Use of "Not Only... But Also"

People use "not only... but also" in everyday conversations when they want to emphasize two qualities or actions. You might hear it in situations like:

"The restaurant is not only cheap but also has great food."
"She is not only my colleague but also my best friend."

It’s a useful way to describe things that have more than one positive or important feature.

FAQs About "Not Only... But Also"

Can I use "not only... but also" with more than two items?

No, this structure is best for two items. For more than two, you can list them differently: "He is not only talented, hardworking, and kind."

Is it formal or informal?

It can be used in both formal and informal situations.

Do I need to use "also" every time?

Yes, for this structure to be complete, it's important to use "but also." However, in casual speech, people may sometimes skip the "also."

Can I reverse the order of the sentence?

Yes! You can switch the order: "He is not only friendly but also reliable." Or: "Not only is he friendly, but he is also reliable."

Is it necessary to use a comma?

You don't always need a comma unless the sentence is long. For example: "Not only did she work hard, but she also helped her friends."

Language teaching