The phrase “not only but also” is a powerful tool in English grammar, often used to emphasize two related ideas. However, using it correctly requires a solid understanding of parallelism—a key grammatical concept that ensures balance and clarity in your sentences. Misusing this structure can make your writing awkward or confusing.
In this blog post, we’ll break down the rules for using “not only but also,” explore its connection to parallelism, and provide practical examples and tips to help you master this construction. Whether you’re a student, professional, or language enthusiast, this guide will elevate your writing and help you avoid common pitfalls.
What is “Not Only But Also”?
“Not only but also” is a correlative conjunction—a pair of words used to connect two equal grammatical elements. It’s used to emphasize that two things are true, often with the second idea being more surprising or impactful than the first.
For example:
- Correct:Â She is not only intelligent but also hardworking.
- Incorrect:Â She is not only intelligent but also works hard.
The correct example uses parallel structure, while the incorrect one mixes an adjective (“intelligent”) with a verb phrase (“works hard”), breaking the balance.
Why is Parallelism Important with “Not Only But Also”?
Parallelism ensures that the two parts connected by “not only but also” are grammatically equal. This balance makes your writing clearer, more professional, and easier to read. Without parallelism, sentences can feel disjointed or awkward.
Rules for Using “Not Only But Also”
To use “not only but also” correctly, follow these rules:
1. Maintain Parallel Structure
Both parts of the sentence must use the same grammatical form.
- Incorrect:Â She not only enjoys hiking but also to swim.
- Correct:Â She not only enjoys hiking but also swimming.
2. Place “Not Only” and “But Also” Before Parallel Elements
Ensure that the words or phrases following “not only” and “but also” are of the same type (e.g., both nouns, both verbs, both adjectives).
- Incorrect:Â He is not only a great teacher but also writes books.
- Correct:Â He is not only a great teacher but also a talented writer.
3. Invert the Sentence Structure for Emphasis
For added emphasis, you can invert the sentence structure by placing “not only” at the beginning. When you do this, use auxiliary verbs to maintain parallelism.
- Standard:Â She not only sings but also dances.
- Inverted:Â Not only does she sing, but she also dances.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mixing Grammatical Forms
- Incorrect:Â The movie was not only entertaining but also it was educational.
- Correct:Â The movie was not only entertaining but also educational.
- Misplacing “Not Only” and “But Also”
- Incorrect:Â She not only plays the piano but the guitar also.
- Correct:Â She plays not only the piano but also the guitar.
- Forgetting Parallelism in Inverted Sentences
- Incorrect:Â Not only she sings, but she also dances.
- Correct:Â Not only does she sing, but she also dances.
Tips for Using “Not Only But Also” Effectively
- Identify the Parallel Elements
Before writing, determine the two ideas you want to connect and ensure they are grammatically similar. - Use Inversion Sparingly
While inverted sentences can add emphasis, overusing them can make your writing feel unnatural. - Read Your Sentences Aloud
If the sentence sounds awkward or unbalanced, check for parallelism errors. - Practice with Examples
Rewrite non-parallel sentences to reinforce your understanding of the structure.
Examples of “Not Only But Also” in Action
- With Nouns
- Correct:Â The festival features not only music but also art.
- Incorrect:Â The festival features not only music but also includes art.
- With Adjectives
- Correct:Â The trip was not only exciting but also educational.
- Incorrect:Â The trip was not only exciting but also we learned a lot.
- With Verbs
- Correct:Â She not only completed the project but also presented it to the team.
- Incorrect:Â She not only completed the project but also the presentation.
- With Inverted Structure
- Correct:Â Not only did he finish the race, but he also broke the record.
- Incorrect:Â Not only he finished the race, but he also broke the record.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “not only but also” with proper parallelism is a game-changer for your writing. It adds emphasis, clarity, and professionalism to your sentences, making your ideas more impactful. By following the rules, avoiding common mistakes, and practicing with examples, you’ll be able to use this construction confidently and effectively.
Start incorporating “not only but also” into your writing today, and watch your sentences become more balanced and polished!
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