not only... but also

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not only...
but also" is correct and usable in written English. It is typically used to emphasize that two related ideas or actions are both true or applicable, often to create a more impactful statement. Example: "She is not only an excellent musician, but also a talented painter."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Peter Cook & Dudley Moore: The Missing Sketches (8pm, Channel 4) Lost for decades, nine sketches from the series Not Only, But Also were recently found in a basement in Australia.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He played the theme tune of Moore's and Peter Cook's Not Only But Also TV series and a startlingly affecting ballad, the yearning Waltz For Suzy – highlighting Moore's gifts as an original composer, and the demons that shadowed his emotional life.

The Guardian - Music

For example, not in "not only but also" is not used for negation.

Complex Adaptive Systems Modeling

As a rule of thumb, verification tends to interpret semantics preservation in a very tight sense, not only but also to simplify the verification task.

Electronic Notes in Theoretical Computer Science

Design of effective and efficient nanoscale sensor for the selective monitoring of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in environmental samples is of great requirement to avoid several diseases; not only but also include diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disorders, aging and Alzheimer.

Electrochimica Acta

The university (not only, but also) as a centre of entrepreneurship, with work groups which question and process knowledge, which work on idea development, and where students found new companies with their professors?

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

He also produced and directed the third series of Not Only… But Also (1970), starring Peter Cook and Dudley Moore, and the first run of Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads? (1973), which won a Bafta for best sitcom.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He also contributed material to the Peter Cook-Dudley Moore sketch show Not Only … But Also, as a comedy writer, and seemed drawn towards the pop art/satire world epitomised in the British cinema by the films of Richard Lester.

The Guardian - Film

There's also a shorter (and slightly less musically interesting) version of him playing it on Not Only … But Also.

The Guardian - Music

Cook and Moore created Derek and Clive to distinguish the X-rated sketches from their more wholesome Pete 'n' Dud Not only... but Also routines.

The Guardian

The pair performed as a two-man group and in the late 1960's made albums, a moderately successful BBC series called "Not Only... but Also" about two working-class fellows, and several films.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not only... but also", ensure that the elements being connected are parallel in structure to maintain clarity and grammatical correctness.

Common error

Avoid using unbalanced constructions after "not only" and "but also". For instance, instead of "Not only he sings, but also plays guitar", write "He not only sings, but also plays guitar" or "He not only sings but also plays the guitar" or "He not only sings, but he also plays the guitar".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not only... but also" functions as a correlative conjunction. It connects two related elements in a sentence, emphasizing that both are true or applicable. Ludwig AI confirms its proper grammatical function. The phrase serves to add emphasis and scope to the statement.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the correlative conjunction "not only... but also" serves to connect and emphasize two related ideas within a sentence. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While it appears across various contexts, it is most frequently found in news, scientific, and formal business writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the elements being connected are parallel in structure. For more informal alternatives, consider "both...and" or "as well as". Remember to avoid mismatched parallel structures to maintain clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Not just... but also

Similar in structure, this variation can sometimes suggest a more informal tone.

Both... and

Emphasizes a dual connection without the nuanced escalation of "not only".

Not merely... but also

This alternative emphasizes a degree of surprise or unexpectedness.

Not solely... but also

Highlights exclusivity being disproven, offering a slightly different emphasis.

As well as

Indicates an addition, but lacks the correlative structure and emphasis.

In addition to

Formally introduces an added element, without the balanced structure.

Besides

Indicates an additional point, lacking the correlative balance.

Furthermore

Adds a point but doesn't explicitly connect two specific elements like "not only".

Additionally

A simple additive transition, less integrated than the main phrase.

Moreover

Similar to 'furthermore', adding extra weight but missing the two-part structure.

FAQs

How to use "not only... but also" in a sentence?

Use "not only... but also" to emphasize two related pieces of information. For instance, "She is "not only smart but also kind"" shows that she possesses both intelligence and kindness.

What can I say instead of "not only... but also"?

You can use alternatives like "both...and", "as well as", or "in addition to" depending on the context to convey a similar meaning.

Which is correct, "not only... but also" or "not only... but as well"?

"Not only... but also" is the standard and more grammatically accepted construction. While "not only... but as well" is sometimes used, it is less common and can sound awkward. It's better to stick with "not only... but also" for clearer communication.

What's the difference between "not only... but also" and "just... but also"?

"Not only... but also" is used to emphasize two facts, while "just... but also" usually emphasizes the unexpectedness of the second fact. They are similar, but "not only" creates a more formal tone. "She is "not just beautiful but also smart"" emphasizes that her intelligence is unexpected in addition to her beauty.