How to Use Not Only but Also 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.
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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 only this…but also that.
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:
5 Ways to Use Not Only…But Also:
- Not only + verb + subject…but also…
- Not only + verb + subject…but + subject + also + verb…
- Subject + verb + not only…but also + verb…
- Subject + not only + verb…but also…
- Not only + verb + subject…but +subject + also…
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 only plays the 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 :
- as well as
- likewise
- similarly
- in the same way
- and
- in addition to
- furthermore
- additionally
- moreover
- what's more
- too
- also
- both…and
- another
- equally important
- besides
- further
- in fact
- as a result
- 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).
- If you start with not only : you must follow it with but also.
- If you don't use not only : you can use but also by itself.
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.
- Formal Writing: use the full construction not only…but also
- Informal Writing: you can use the shortened construction not only…but
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
Not Only... But Also Question #1
Correct! Oops! That's incorrect.
The answer is A. "Not only...but also" is a correlative conjunction. They're words or phrases that work together to link words, clauses, or phrases
Not Only... But Also Question #2
Correct! Oops! That's incorrect.
The answer is B. "Not only...but also" is used to convey two related facts, thoughts, or pieces of information.
Not Only... But Also Question #3
Correct! Oops! That's incorrect.
The answer is A. Correlative conjunctions serve to highlight the relationship between elements in the sentence.
Not Only... But Also Question #4
Correct! Oops! That's incorrect.
The answer is C. "Neither...nor" are correlative conjunctions.
Not Only... But Also Question #5
Correct! Oops! That's incorrect.
The answer is TRUE. The phrase becomes: "not only…but."
Not Only... But Also Question #6
Correct! Oops! That's incorrect.
The answer is FALSE. Since "not only…but also" is a correlative conjunction, no comma is necessary.
Read More: What Is Parallelism in Writing?
How to Use Not Only but Also in a Sentence
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