Not only but also word order

Main Not Only But Also Takeaways:

• Not only…but also is a correlative conjunction. This means that this construction helps convey two related facts, thoughts, or pieces of information.
• It expresses unexpected or surprising information, with the second item being more surprising than the first.
• Use this construction to create parallelism by following each part of the expression with the same part of speech. This helps add balance and flow to your writing.
• In informal writing, you can omit the word also from the expression without changing the meaning of the sentence.
• Correlative conjunctions like not only…but also don’t require commas to separate the pairs.
• Replace not only…but also with synonyms like: moreover, besides, as well as, similarly, and equally important.

Not only but also is a two-part expression that’s used to create emphasis, convey unexpected information, or add balance to a sentence. See exactly how to use this phrase effectively with tips for parallelism and plenty of examples.

What Does not Only but Also Mean?

Not only…but also is a way to create parallelism in a sentence. This expression is a correlative conjunction, and is useful for linking two closely connected clauses. Basically, it sets up two related elements of a sentence. You know you’re using this pairing to correctly create parallelism when the same part of speech follows each part of the phrase. For example, if a verb comes after not only, then a verb should come after but also (He not only swims, but also rows). Similarly, if a noun follows not only, then a noun should follow but also (She is not only a doctor but also a lawyer). Use this construction to convey unexpected but related information. Or, to emphasize a surprising fact.

In a sentence, the actual construct of the expression looks like this: not onlythis…but alsothat.

Not only…but also is a correlative conjunction, or words or phrases that work together to link words, clauses, or phrases. They are similar to coordinating conjunctions but show a stronger connection between the linked ideas.

In this example, each part of the not only…but also expression precedes a verb phrase for parallelism.

In this example, a noun phrase follows both not only and but also to maintain parallelism.

How do you use Not Only in a Sentence?

You can use not only at the beginning of a clause. In this case, you should use not only followed by the verb (Not only is she sing a captivating dancer, but also a fantastic singer). You can also use not only in the middle of a sentence. In this case, there are two constructions you can can use. The first construction is: Subject + Verb + not only + but also (He made not only the decorations but also the costumes for the party). Alternatively, the second construction is: Subject + not only + Verb + but also (The investigation is not only on-going but also highly-classified).

Here are examples of how to use not only in a sentence:

Where do you put Not Only in a Sentence?

You can put not only at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence. When you start a sentence with not only, the phrase is the beginning of an introductory clause and is acting as the first part of a correlative conjunction. As a result, not only must be followed by but also (Not only is the shuttle fast but also economical). When it appears in the middle of a sentence, not only usually comes after the subject and the verb (Their cat eats not only strawberries but also bananas). However, it can also come between the subject and the verb (Their daughter not onlyplaysthe piano but also runs track).

Pro Tip: Although but also can be split, the same doesn’t hold true for not only. The first word pair in this two-part expression should never be split.

Can you start a Sentence with Not Only?

You can start a sentence with not only, but it must be followed by not also. This is because the expression not only..but also is a correlative conjunction that helps create parallelism, or balance, in a sentence. What’s more, when you start a sentence with not only, follow the not only with a verb (Not only were they polite but also kind). Therefore, the formula for using not only at the beginning of a sentence is: Not only + verb + subject…but also + subject + verb.

Is There a Comma in Not Only But Also?

Normally, there is no comma in the construction not only…but also. This is because not only…but also is usually a correlative conjunction that helps create parallelism. Since correlative conjunctions don’t require commas to separate the pairs in the phrase, there is no comma in not only…but also (Not only did they bring drinks but also desserts!). However, you can add a comma to show additional emphasis, but this isn’t required (When planning a party, she considers the not only the quality of the products served, but also the presentation). In the end, adding a comma is a stylistic choice and not grammatically required.

Note: Although no commas are needed when punctuating this pair, commas may be added in special circumstances for extra emphasis.

How do you Replace Not Only But Also?

Here are 20 replacements and synonyms for the correlative conjunction not only but also:

1. as well as
2. likewise
3. similarly
4. in the same way
5. and
6. in addition to
7. furthermore
8. additionally
9. moreover
10. what’s more
11. too
12. also
13. both…and
14. another
15. equally important
16. besides
17. further
18. in fact
19. as a result
20. consequently

Find more not only…but also synonyms in our master list of transition words.

Examples of Sentences Using Synonyms for Not Only But Also:

This sentence shows the correct usage of not only…but also. There are, however, other ways of expressing a similar sentiment.

When comparing these sentences, you may notice that the emphasis changes. For example, each construction places more or less importance on one of the phrases. As a result, the meaning of the sentence may change.

Whenever you select words, you’re choosing nuances in meaning. By opting for a different word or phrase, you may alter the meaning of your sentence ever so slightly. What’s more, you may also alter the tone of your prose, making it less formal or more conversational.

Can you use But Also Without Not Only

You can use but also without not only. On one hand, if you use not only, you must follow it with but also (They not only went fishing but also hiking). On the other hand, if you just use but also, you don’t need to use not only before it (He loves to go to the movies but also enjoys the gym).

Do you Have to use but Also With not Only?

If you use the first part of the correlative conjunction not only, then you must use the second part but also. Conversely, if you just use the second part but also, then you don’t need to include the first part not only. In formal writing, you should use the entire construction not only…but also. However, in informal contexts, you can leave off the also and shorten the phrase to not only…but. The meaning of the sentence shouldn’t change.

Some writers may consider not only…but also to be one stylistic choice among many. After all, there are multiple options for linking two related thoughts, with each creating different shades of meaning.

Whether you opt for this phrase or another one is up to you, and it may depend on the type of writing you’re doing. Most importantly, your sentence should not only sound natural but also be clear in meaning. That, above all, is what writing should be about.

Quick Not Only…But Also Quiz

Read More: What Is Parallelism in Writing?

Рассказали, как и зачем использовать вопросительный порядок слов в отрицательных утверждениях.

Инверсия — это изменение прямого порядка слов на вопросительный. Про некоторые случаи инверсии мы уже рассказывали в статье о порядке слов в английском языке, сегодня подробно рассмотрим отрицательную инверсию.

Функции и правила образования отрицательной инверсии

Отрицательная инверсия — характерный признак эмоционального высказывания или делового стиля в общении. Она характерна для английского языка, поэтому при переводе на русский этот прием могут опустить или передать с помощью дополнительных слов.

Never have I been abroad. — Никогда (в жизни) я не был за границей.

Чтобы построить предложение с отрицательной инверсией, достаточно поставить отрицательное слово, наречие или частицу not в начало предложения и последовать вопросительному порядку слов.

Наречие + вспомогательный/модальный глагол + подлежащее + сказуемое + остальные члены предложения

Never have I read such an interesting book. — Такую интересную книгу я никогда не читал.
Rarely can she impress her audience. — Редко у нее получается произвести впечатление на аудиторию.

Напомним, в вопросительном порядке слов вспомогательный или модальный глагол ставится перед подлежащим. Если в предложении с инверсией нет вспомогательного или модального глагола, добавляйте do, does или did.

Утверждение: I never go abroad. — Я никогда не езжу за границу.
Инверсия: Never do I go abroad. — Никогда я не езжу за границу.

Утверждение: I never went abroad. — Я никогда не ездил за границу.
Инверсия: Never did I go abroad. — Никогда я не ездил за границу.

В предложениях с инверсией порядок слов может нарушаться как в первой части предложения, так и во второй.

Never had he admitted his mistakes. — Никогда он не признавал своих ошибок.
Only after you confess can we talk about reconciliation. — Только когда ты признаешься, можно говорить о примирении.

Отрицательная инверсия в начале предложения

Для того чтобы построить отрицательную инверсию в начале предложения, используйте специальные слова, фразы и конструкции.

• Not only… but also…

  Конструкцию not only… but also… (не только… но и…) употребляют, когда хотят сообщить неожиданные детали. В том же контексте носители используют конструкцию not only… as well (не только… но также…).

  She is not only a good mother, but also the head of a successful company. — Она не только хорошая мать, но и руководитель успешной компании.
  Not only does she know English, she is fluent in Chinese as well. — Она не только хорошо говорит на английском, но также свободно общается на китайском.

• Rarely, seldom, never

  Слова rarely (изредка), seldom (редко), never (никогда) используются, чтобы подчеркнуть уникальность ситуации.

  Утверждение: I seldom make mistakes. — Я редко совершаю ошибки.
  Инверсия:Seldom do I make mistakes. — Редко я совершаю ошибки.

  Утверждение: I rarely visited him. — Я почти его не навещал.
  Инверсия: Rarely did I visit him. — Не навещал я его почти.

  Утверждение: Our chances have never been so high before. — Наши шансы никогда не были так велики.
  Инверсия: Never before have our chances been so high. — Еще никогда не были наши шансы так велики.

• No sooner… than и hardly… when

  Конструкции no sooner… than (как только) и hardly/scarcely/barely… when (едва) акцентируют внимание на последовательности событий и то, как быстро одно действие сменяет другое. Обычно эти конструкции употребляются с грамматическим временем Past Perfect.

  Утверждение: I came by as soon as I heard the news. — Я пришел, как только услышал новости.
  Инверсия: No sooner had I heard the news than I came by. — Как только услышал новости, я пришел.

  Утверждение: I hardly fell asleep when somebody knocked at the door. — Я едва успел уснуть, как кто-то постучал в дверь.
  Инверсия: Hardly had I fallen asleep when somebody knocked at the door. — Едва я успел уснуть, как в дверь постучали.

• Little… know

  Конструкция little… know/realise (тогда еще не подозревали) также участвует в образовании инверсии. Обратите внимание, слово little в этой конструкции не имеет отношения к величине, оно указывает на непонимание происходящего.

  Утверждение: We didn’t know that the exam was going to be so difficult. — Мы не подозревали, что экзамен будет настолько сложным.
  Инверсия: Little did we know that the exam was going to be so difficult. — Тогда мы и не подозревали, что экзамен будет настолько сложным.

  Такая конструкция чаще встречается в художественной литературе, так как она придает сильный драматический эффект высказыванию.

  

• So и such

  Для построения предложения с отрицательной инверсией подойдут следующие конструкции: so + прилагательное + to be… that; such + to be + существительное; to such a degree.

  Утверждение: The noise was so loud that I couldn’t fall asleep. — Шум был настолько громким, что я не мог уснуть.
  Инверсия: So loud was the noise that I couldn’t fall asleep. — Настолько громким был шум, что я не мог уснуть.

  Утверждение: But life is like that. — Жизнь такова.
  Инверсия: But such is life. — Такова жизнь.

  Утверждение: His clothes were so worn out that he had to throw them away. — Его одежда так износилась, что ему пришлось ее выбросить.
  Инверсия: To such a degree were his clothes worn out that he had to throw them away. — Его одежда износилась до такой степени, что ему пришлось ее выбросить.

Еще больше слов и словосочетаний, с которыми используется инверсия в начале предложения, мы привели в таблице.

Отрицательная инверсия во второй части предложения

Если вы строите предложение с отрицательной инверсией во второй части, используйте only (только), until / not till (до тех пор), not until (до тех пор, пока не) и not since (не с того времени, как).

Утверждение: You can apply for this job after you graduate. — Ты сможешь претендовать на эту работу, после окончания университета.
Инверсия: Only after you graduate can you apply for this job. — Лишь окончив университет, ты сможешь претендовать на эту работу.

Утверждение: I didn’t see a mistake in my presentation until you told me. — Я не замечал ошибки в презентации, пока ты мне не сказал.
Инверсия: Not until you told me did I see a mistake in my presentation. — Пока ты мне не сказал, я и не замечал ошибки в презентации.

В предложениях с отрицательной инверсией используется слово only с разными предлогами. Варианты перевода таких сочетаний смотрите в таблице.

Подведем итог, отрицательная инверсия — это прием, при котором на первое место в предложении ставится специальное слово, фраза или наречие, а затем следует вопросительный порядок слов. Предложения с отрицательной инверсией используют в деловых переговорах и ситуациях, когда нужно высказаться эмоционально.

What Parts of Speech Should Follow?

Auxiliary Verbs

Especially when “not only” appears at the beginning of a sentence, you can expect to see a helping verb (also known as an auxiliary verb) next.

Not only was she a good listener, but she was also a great cook. 

The example above shows that “but also” does not have to be placed side-by-side. In this case, “she was” breaks up the two words. Still, “but also” must appear in the second half of the sentence and in the correct sequence. 

Not only did we arrive late but also at separate times. 

Here, you can see that the normal rules for comma usage apply. As with a coordinating conjunction, when “but” is followed by an independent clause, you use a comma. Otherwise, you don’t need one. 

Adjectives

You can follow “not only…but also” with adjectives or descriptive phrases. Just be sure to use parallel structure, so that you’re comparing an adjective with another adjective or a descriptive phrase with a similar descriptive phrase. 

She was not only wise but also kind. 
The title seemed not only confusing to read but also difficult to say. 

In both of these examples, the subject and verb appear before the correlative conjunction in the first part of the sentence. Since dependent clauses follow the word “but” in both sentences, commas are not needed. In the second example above, notice that the descriptive phrases have parallel structures. They’re both using an adjective + prepositional phrase, which ensures that the comparison is as neat as possible. While it’s not incorrect to eschew parallelism, writing “not only…but also” sentences with parallel structure makes them easier to read and understand. 

Nouns

You can compare nouns or noun phrases with “not only…but also.” 

She invited not only Tim but also John.

In the beginning of the sentence, the subject and verb both precede the first part of the correlative conjunction. Next, two proper nouns are emphasized and intensified. It would be equally correct to write, “She invited Tim and John.” The “not only…but also” construction serves to emphasize the fact that both people received invitations rather than just one of them. 

He considered not only the house on the hill but also the apartment near the shore. 

The second sentence employs the same basic construction, but it compares noun phrases rather than proper nouns. 

Verbs

In all “not only…but also” sentences, you compare two pieces of information. Often, the comparison is between verbs or verb phrases. For instance, let’s take one of the examples above and rewrite the sentence so that the relationship between two actions becomes the focus. 

He not only considered the house on the hill, but he also contemplated the apartment near the shore.

Notice that the main verbs have parallel structure—considered and contemplated. Again, using the same verb form for the first and second parts of the sentence will allow your reader to follow your logic more easily. 

They not only run but also swim. 

Again, there’s no need to use a comma because the second clause is dependent. The two verbs have the same verb form, present simple tense, which maintains the parallel structure.

Variations on Not Only / But Also

Sometimes the phrase “not only” can be replaced by “not alone” or “not just.” Similarly, “also,” “but too,” and but as well” can be good substitutes for “but also.” 

Not only was he strong, but he was smart as well. 

• not just…but also
• not only…also
• not only…but too
• not only…but as well
• not alone…but also

Sources:

1. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/grammar/british-grammar/not-only-but-also
2. https://grammar.collinsdictionary.com/us/easy-learning/auxiliary-verbs
3. https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/education/grammar/not-only-but-also