Meaning
Used to add a second point that often exceeds expectations or adds emphasis after confirming the first statement, typically in formal or persuasive contexts.
Primary Function
Additive emphasis with inversion
Communicative Purpose
To convey that both parts of a proposition are true, with the second part often adding surprise, importance, or emphasis.
Pattern
Not only; but also
Core Structure
Not only; but also
Função primária
Additive emphasis with inversion
Propósito comunicativo
To convey that both parts of a proposition are true, with the second part often adding surprise, importance, or emphasis.
Situações de gatilho
Formal writing, persuasive speeches, and presentations where clarity and persuasion are crucial.
Contextos
Academic discourse, professional reports, formal speaking environments like lectures or board meetings.
Padrão
Not only; but also
Estrutura central
Not only; but also
Slots de substituição
The second part may use 'as well' or a similar phrase, and 'but also' can sometimes be shortened to 'but' in less formal contexts.
Colocados típicos
- but also
- not only
- as well
Substituições comuns
- Not merely... but also
- Not just... but
Erros comuns
Omitting inversion after 'Not only', mismatching verb forms, and failing to maintain parallel structure.
Similar / contraste
As well as, in addition to
Interferências
L2 learners may avoid inversion or mismatch verb forms, reducing the rhetorical impact.
Família do chunk
- Correlative emphasis openers
Nuance
Creates a persuasive tone by emphasizing additional, often unexpected benefits or qualities.
Efeito pragmático
Conveys sophistication, confidence, and thorough reasoning in formal discourse.
Dica de memória
Not only flips the order
Nota
This structure is grammatically inverted in the first clause when starting with 'Not only' to emphasize the additional point.
Upgrade path
From 'and' to 'in addition' to 'not only... but also'
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