Not only... but also

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The English language is filled with a variety of phrases and idioms that add depth and complexity to our conversations and writings. One such phrase is "not only... but also," a conjunction that is used to emphasize that both parts of the sentence are equally significant. This phrase is a powerful tool in the hands of a skilled writer, allowing them to highlight multiple aspects of a situation or argument simultaneously. #### The Basic Structure of "Not Only... But Also" The phrase "not only... but also" is a correlative conjunction, meaning it pairs two ideas together in a sentence. The structure is simple: you begin with "not only," followed by the first idea, then "but also," followed by the second idea. Both ideas should be of equal importance, as the phrase is used to emphasize that both are significant. For instance, "She is not only an excellent student, but also a talented athlete." #### The Versatility of "Not Only... But Also" The phrase "not only... but also" is incredibly versatile, able to be used in a variety of contexts and sentence structures. It can be used to connect two adjectives, two verbs, two nouns, or even two entire clauses. This versatility makes it a valuable tool in any writer's arsenal, allowing them to create complex, nuanced sentences with ease. For example, "The project was not only challenging but also rewarding," or "He not only writes novels, but also composes music." #### The Importance of Parallelism in "Not Only... But Also" When using "not only... but also," it's crucial to maintain parallelism, or balance, in your sentence structure. This means that the parts of the sentence following "not only" and "but also" should be similar in form. If "not only" is followed by an adjective, "but also" should be followed by an adjective. If "not only" is followed by a verb, "but also" should be followed by a verb. This parallel structure ensures that your sentence is clear, concise, and grammatically correct. #### The Power of Emphasis in "Not Only... But Also" The phrase "not only... but also" is a powerful tool for emphasis in writing. By using this phrase, you can highlight the importance of both parts of your sentence, drawing attention to each in turn. This can be particularly effective in persuasive writing, where you may want to emphasize multiple benefits or arguments. For example, "This policy will not only create jobs, but also stimulate economic growth." In conclusion, the phrase "not only... but also" is a versatile and powerful tool in English writing. Its basic structure is simple, but it offers a wealth of possibilities for creating complex, nuanced sentences. By maintaining parallelism in your sentence structure, you can ensure that your writing is clear and grammatically correct. And by using this phrase to emphasize both parts of your sentence, you can create compelling, persuasive arguments. So the next time you're writing, consider using "not only... but also" to add depth and complexity to your work.