ENGLISH
REFERENCE

not only but also

fixed phr..
B1 Intermediate Oxford

fixed phr.. you use this to add a second, often more surprising, piece of information to what you have already said.

fixed phr.. a correlative conjunction used to connect and emphasize two related items or clauses, where the second element typically carries more weight or importance than the first.


SIMPLE

She is not only smart but also very kind.

CONTEXTUAL

The new smartphone is not only thinner than the previous model but also significantly more powerful.

COMPLEX

The proposed legislation not only addresses the immediate environmental concerns but also establishes a framework for long-term sustainable development across the entire region.

Usage

the two parts of the phrase must be followed by the same grammatical form, such as two adjectives or two verbs.

Teaching tip

focus on 'parallel structure'—if an adjective follows 'not only', an adjective must follow 'but also'; mention that 'also' is sometimes omitted in casual speech.

Pitfall

He is not only tired but he is also hungry.He is not only tired but also hungry.keep the structure balanced by using the same part of speech after both parts of the phrase.

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