54 Correlative Conjunctions (1)
Syntax
Conjunctions are words that function as a link between clauses in sentences. They usually show how the meanings of two clauses are related to each other. {See Conjunctions, A1 Level}
We usually use the Not only… but also… structure create a parallelism between sentences.
Not only… but also… has this kind of structure:
Subject + not only + verb + complement + but also + complement;
Not only + aux. verb + subject + verb + complement + (,) + but also + complement.*
*When it is used in the beginning of a sentence, we make inversion.
- I will not only drink the camomile tea, but also the mint tea.
- She will not only cook the dinner but also serve the drink!
- Not only did we try Andalusian food, but also Indian food.
- Not only have they increased the prices, but also have changed the products.
“Not only… but also…” is used to emphasise two pieces of surprising information which are related to and parallel to each other. The second piece of information is usually more surprising than the first one.
The Correlative Conjunction “Not only… but also…” is used to emphasise two pieces of surprising information which are related each other, with the second piece of information being more surprising.
The structure for this Conjunction is:
Subject + not only + verb + complement + but also + complement;
Not only + aux. verb + subject + verb + complement + (,) + but also + complement.
NOTE: If we wish to use this conjunction in the beginning of a sentence, we need to remember to invert the subject and verb.
For example:
— “I ate not only grilled chicken but also grilled fish.” = I ate both grilled chicken and fish.
— “Not only did I eat grilled chicken but also grilled fish.” = As we start with Not Only, we need to invert subject and verb because (…did i eat grilled chicken - …I did eat grilled chicken).
Let’s revise this content within the [Form] section. Take a look at the [Example] section that shows its use within a context.