"Not Only... But (Also)...

"

1️⃣What Does It Mean?

The structure "not only... but (also)..." is used to emphasize two ideas,
showing that both are true or important. The second idea often adds greater
emphasis.

2️⃣Basic Structure

Not only + [verb/phrase 1], but (also) + [verb/phrase 2]

🔹 With Subjects and Verbs:

Not only does she play the piano, but (also) she sings beautifully.

🔹 With Nouns/Adjectives:

He is not only intelligent but (also) hardworking.

3️⃣Grammar Tips

1. Inversion (for emphasis):

2. If "not only" is at the beginning of a clause, the subject and verb are
inverted (like in a question).
3. ✅ Not only did they win the match, but they also set a new record.

.Optional "also":

The word "also" is optional but makes the sentence feel more complete.

✅ She is not only smart but kind.

✅ She is not only smart but also kind.

4. Parallel Structure:
Keep the two parts of the sentence grammatically balanced. If one part has a
verb, the other should too.

❌ Not only does he love swimming, but also hiking. (unbalanced)

✅ Not only does he love swimming, but he also loves hiking.

4️⃣Examples

 Simple Sentences:
o Not only is he a great teacher, but he is also a wonderful mentor.
o She not only studies hard but also works part-time.
 With Inversion:
o Not only did the movie break box office records, but it also won
several awards.
o Not only have we completed the project, but we have also
exceeded expectations.
 With Parallel Structure:
o He not only enjoys reading books but also loves watching
documentaries.
o The new policy will not only affect employees but also impact
customers.

📝 Practice Exercises

1. Rewrite the following sentence using "not only... but also...":

She speaks French. She speaks Spanish.

➡️She not only speaks French but also speaks Spanish.

2. Write your own sentence using "not only... but (also)...".

1️⃣Complete the Sentences

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb or phrase to create a
correct "not only... but also..." sentence.

1. Not only ___________ (she / be) a talented singer, but (also)

___________ (she / dance) professionally.
 2. Not only ___________ (they / visit) Paris, but (also) ___________ (they /
explore) other European cities.
3. The course not only ___________ (teach) you grammar, but (also)
___________ (help) you improve your speaking skills.
4. Not only ___________ (he / forget) my birthday, but (also) ___________
(he / arrive) late for dinner.
5. This job not only ___________ (require) technical skills, but (also)
___________ (demand) strong leadership qualities.

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb or phrase.

1. Not only is she a talented singer, but (also) she dances

professionally.
2. Not only did they visit Paris, but (also) they explored other
European cities.
3. The course not only teaches you grammar, but (also) helps you
improve your speaking skills.
4. Not only did he forget my birthday, but (also) he arrived late for
dinner.
5. This job not only requires technical skills, but (also) demands
strong leadership qualities.
2️⃣Rewrite the Sentences

Rewrite each sentence using the "not only... but (also)..." structure.

1. She plays the violin. She composes her own music.

➡️She not only ______________________, but (also) ______________________.

2. They discovered a new species. They identified its unique habitat.

➡️Not only ______________________, but (also) ______________________.

3. The teacher is patient. The teacher is encouraging.

➡️The teacher is not only ______________________, but (also)

______________________.

4. The movie is entertaining. The movie is educational.

➡️Not only ______________________, but (also) ______________________.

5. This smartphone is lightweight. It is durable.

➡️This smartphone is not only ______________________, but (also)

______________________.
Rewrite each sentence using the "not only... but (also)..." structure.

1. She plays the violin. She composes her own music.

➡️She not only plays the violin, but (also) composes her own music.

2. They discovered a new species. They identified its unique habitat.

➡️Not only did they discover a new species, but (also) they
identified its unique habitat.

3. The teacher is patient. The teacher is encouraging.

➡️The teacher is not only patient, but (also) encouraging.

4. The movie is entertaining. The movie is educational.

➡️Not only is the movie entertaining, but (also) it is educational.

5. This smartphone is lightweight. It is durable.

➡️This smartphone is not only lightweight, but (also) durable.

3️⃣Identify the Mistakes

There is a mistake in each of these "not only... but (also)..." sentences.

Identify and correct it.

1. ❌ Not only she sings well, but she also can play the guitar.

➡️Correction: ______________________________

2. ❌ He is not only kind but help strangers whenever he can.

➡️Correction: ______________________________

3. ❌ Not only the students completed the project, but also they
presented it to the class.

➡️Correction: ______________________________

4. ❌ Not only does she love traveling, but she also enjoys to try
local food.

➡️Correction: ______________________________

5. ❌ The new app not only saves time but also saving money.

➡️Correction: ______________________________
Identify and correct the mistake in each sentence.

1. ❌ Not only she sings well, but she also can play the guitar.

✅ Not only does she sing well, but she also can play the guitar.

🔹 Mistake: Missing inversion. When "not only" starts the sentence, we

need to invert (swap) the subject and auxiliary verb (like in a question).

2. ❌ He is not only kind but help strangers whenever he can.

✅ He is not only kind but (also) helpful to strangers whenever he

can.

🔹 Mistake: Verb tense inconsistency. The two parts of the sentence must
have the same structure. "Kind" (adjective) must be followed by another
adjective like "helpful" (not "help," which is a verb).

3. ❌ Not only the students completed the project, but also they
presented it to the class.

✅ Not only did the students complete the project, but they also
presented it to the class.

🔹 Mistake: Missing inversion. Since "not only" starts the sentence, the verb
("did") should come before the subject ("students").

4. ❌ Not only does she love traveling, but she also enjoys to try
local food.

✅ Not only does she love traveling, but she also enjoys trying local
food.

🔹 Mistake: Verb form. "Enjoys" should be followed by the -ing form (gerund)
of the verb "try" (not "to try").

5. ❌ The new app not only saves time but also saving money.

✅ The new app not only saves time but also saves money.

🔹 Mistake: Parallel structure error. "Saves" (present tense verb) must be

repeated to match the verb structure in the first part.