Use the word not only in a sentence

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?

The phrase ‘not only’ is often used to introduce the first of two items in a list, and ‘but also’ is used to introduce the second. Together, ‘not only’ and ‘but also’ add emphasis and clarity to your writing, helping to make your ideas more concise and impactful.

In this article, we’ll explore the definition, usage, and useful examples of ‘not only but also’ in English. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of this powerful phrase and how to use it effectively in your own writing and speaking.

Definition

• The construction not only….but (also) is called a correlative conjunction. It is used to connect and emphasize 2 words or 2 phrases at the same position. Both two phrases are being presented by the writer as surprising or unexpected, with the second one being even more surprising than the first. We use “not only but also” to give more information.
• It can be used to list adjective qualities, nouns or verbs, to show complementary qualities, quantities or actions, events and states.

When to Use “Not Only But Also”

• We use it when we have two things and we want to give a little extra emphasis to the second thing because it’s even better, or even worse, or more surprising, or more impressive, or more shocking than the first thing.
• The most essential rule to remember about using this structure is that two parts of speech must be parallel.

How to Form Sentences with “Not Only…But Also”

There are two ways to use not only, but also. You can use it in the middle and end of the sentence, or you can actually use it to start a sentence with not only. There are some grammatical considerations we have to keep in mind.

1. Use it in the middle and end of the sentence:

S + V + not only + Adjective + but also + Adjective

For example:

• He is not only arrogant but also selfish.
• Tom is not only rich but also famous.
• She was not only extremely intelligent but also very practical.

S + V + not only + Adv + but also + Adv

For example:

• John works not only quickly but also efficiently.
• Thomas writes not only correctly but also neatly.
• He worked not only hard but also carefully.

S + V + not only + Noun + but also + Noun

For example:

• She is not only a novelist but also a poet.
• He is not only a statesman but also a man of the people.
• Shakespeare was not only a writer but also an actor.

S + not only + V + but also + V

For example:

• He not only studies hard but also works well.
• She not only plays well but also writes music.
• He not only speaks English but also French.
• The robbers not only took his money but also laid into him.
• She not only entered the competition but also won it!
• He not only read the book but also remembered what he read.
• He not only writes his own plays but also acts in them.

2. Use it at the beginning of the sentence or Inversion of Not only but also:

We can use not only at the beginning of a clause to add emphasis. When we do this, the subject and the verb are inverted.

Not only + V/Adj/Noun/Adv + but (he/she) also + V/Adj/Noun/Adv Verb be/ aux (do/will/should/would /can/ could)

For examples:

Noun:

• Not only does he speak English but he also speaks French.
• Not only does she speak Spanish but she also knows how to type.
• Not only you but also I am planning to go.
• Not only do the nurses want a pay increase but they also want reduced hours as well.

Noun phrase:

• Not only is he handsome but (he is) also intelligent.
• Not only is the return address on the e-mail almost certainly fraudulent but also responding to spam creates more traffic.
• Not only will that skill help your resume but also will make you familiar with on-line job recruiting.
• Not only was it raining all day at the wedding but also the band was late.
• Not only will they paint the outside of the house but also the inside.

When there is no auxiliary verb or main verb be, we use do, does, did:

• Not only did she forget my birthday, but she also didn’t even apologize for forgetting it.
• Not only did he needlessly place himself in danger but also no charges were brought against his prisoners.

In conclusion, the phrase ‘not only but also’ is a powerful tool for adding emphasis and clarity to your writing. By understanding its definition, correct usage, and useful examples, you can confidently incorporate ‘not only but also’ into your own writing and speaking.

Whether you’re writing a formal essay or having a casual conversation, ‘not only but also’ is a versatile phrase that can help you express your ideas more effectively. So don’t be afraid to use it – with a little practice, you’ll be a pro at using ‘not only but also’ in no time!

Not Only But Also | Infographic

I find sentences 1 & 2 awkward (at best) because of the positioning of «not»:

1. Not only have these conditions been not prepared in developed countries, but developing countries also have not accepted them.
2. Not only have not these conditions been prepared in developed countries, but also have developing countries not accepted them.

As @EdwinAshworth has commented, sentence 3 has a different meaning because the other two sentences refer to acceptance by developing countries, whereas the last sentence refers (implicitly) to preparation by developing countries:

3- Not only have these conditions not been prepared in developed countries, but (also) in developing countries.

Although I’m not 100% certain what you’re trying to say, my suggestion of rewording while retaining your words as closely as possible, would be to adopt the first part of your sentence 3, with a modified version of the last part of your sentence 1:

Not only have these conditions not been prepared in developed countries, but neither have developing countries accepted them.
Not only have these conditions not been prepared in developed countries, but neither have they been accepted by developing countries.

Of those, I prefer the latter because the second part more closely reflects the first part:

Not only have these conditions not been prepared in developed countries, but neither have [the conditions] been accepted by developing countries.

 
Advanced English Grammar Course

Transcript:

Hello students! It’s Shayna, your teacher from EspressoEnglish.net. Today, I’m going to teach you how to form sentences with the construction not only, but also.

First of all, when do we use not only, but also? Well, we use it when we have two things and we want to give a little extra emphasis to the second thing because it’s even better, or even worse, or more surprising, or more impressive, or more shocking than the first thing. I think you’ll see as I give examples throughout this lesson.

There are two ways to use not only, but also. You can use it in the middle and end of the sentence, or you can actually use it to start a sentence with not only. There are some grammatical considerations we have to keep in mind.

Okay, so using not only, but also in the middle and end of a sentence I can say, “I’ve taught English not only in the U.S., but also in other countries.” Or you could say, let’s say you’re talking about someone who is a model. You could say, “She’s not only beautiful, but also very smart.”

As you can see in both of these examples, the second part, the part that comes after “but also” is just a little more interesting or better than the first part, so we just want to give a little extra emphasis. Because, of course, you could simply say, “She’s beautiful and smart.” That’s just neutral. But if you say, “She’s not only beautiful, but also smart,” it kind of gives a little bit of extra emphasis to that second part; being smart.

Now, the key if you use not only, but also like this, is that the two parts of the sentence have to be parallel. If you use an adjective after not only, you need to use an adjective after but also. So, beautiful and smart, those are both adjectives. “She’s not only beautiful, but also very smart.”

It would sound strange if you said, “She’s not only beautiful, but also a singer,” because beautiful is an adjective, and a singer is a noun, and it’s not parallel. You could have two nouns. You could say, “She’s not only a model, but also a singer.” That would be all right. That sounds natural, because we have a noun and a noun.

Another example of a sentence that sounds strange is, don’t say this: “He ate not only the pizza, but also the soda.” That doesn’t make sense because you eat pizza, but you don’t eat soda. You drink soda. So we can fix this sentence by using two different verbs after not only and but also. So you can say, “He not only ate the pizza, but also drank the soda.” I hope you can see that when you use not only and but also like this the two parts of the sentence need to be parallel so that it makes sense and it sounds natural.

How about using not only to start a sentence? An example of this would be, “Not only does he play guitar, but he also writes his own songs.” Now, notice in the first part of the sentence we don’t say, “Not only he plays.” We actually have an auxiliary verb: does. We say, “Not only does he play guitar.” This is just a special thing that we do with not only, but also sentences. Normally, we would say, “He plays guitar.” But when you start it with not only, you say, “Not only does he play guitar, he also writes his own songs.” In sentences like this that start with not only, the but is optional. Some people eliminate it and just say, “He also writes his own songs.”

That’s an example in the present tense. If we’re talking about the past, we can also use this construction, but now we need to use the auxiliary verb, did in the past. So, “Not only did she fail the course, but she also dropped out of college.” That means she completely left the program of studies. “Not only did she fail.” Don’t say, “Not only she failed.” “Not only did she fail the course, but she also dropped out of college.” Okay? The second part of the sentence is normal. After but also, just use the simple past. You don’t need to use an auxiliary verb there.

You can also use this construction in the future. “Not only will you learn grammar in my advanced English grammar course, you’ll also put it into practice.” In this case, the auxiliary verb is “will”. “Not only will you learn grammar, but you’ll also,” or, “you’ll also put it into practice.” And this is true, by the way! So why don’t you try writing a couple of not only, but also sentences in the comments based on what you learned in today’s lesson?

As I mentioned, if you’d like to get more practice with grammar, check out my Advanced English Grammar Course, because it’s designed, as I said, not only for you to learn about grammar, because you don’t just want to learn about English. You don’t just want to have an intellectual knowledge. You want to use it. Right? You want to speak it, and write it, and use it yourself. The grammar course helps you do that through quizzes, short answer exercises, and writing tasks so you can put that grammar into practice. Click on the link in the video for more information, and I hope to see you inside the course.