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REFERENCE

not only

fixed phr..
B1 Intermediate Oxford

fixed phr.. you use this to introduce two related facts, where the second fact is even more important or surprising than the first.

fixed phr.. a correlative conjunction used to introduce the first of two related pieces of information, typically followed by 'but also' to emphasize the addition.


SIMPLE

She is not only smart but also very kind.

CONTEXTUAL

The hotel was not only expensive but also quite far from the city center.

COMPLEX

Not only did the research team discover a new species, but they also documented its unique mating rituals for the first time.

Usage

usually paired with 'but also' later in the sentence to complete the comparison.

Teaching tip

highlight the subject-auxiliary inversion that occurs when 'not only' starts a sentence (e.g., 'Not only did he...').

Pitfall

Not only she is tall but also fast.Not only is she tall but also fast.when starting a sentence with 'not only', you must swap the subject and the verb.

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