What you'll learn
By the end of this lesson, you'll be able to use "Not only did/does/has... but also..." to add emphasis when combining two facts.
When do I use it?
Use "Not only... but also..." to emphasise that TWO things are true. Because "not only" is a negative expression at the start, the first clause inverts:
- "Not only did she finish the race, but she also won it."
- "Not only is he a great singer, but he plays the guitar too."
Without emphasis: "She finished the race and also won it."
How do I form it?
Not only + auxiliary + subject + verb, but (also) + clause
- Not only did they arrive late, but they left early.
- Not only does she speak three languages, but she writes poetry too.
- Not only have we lost money, but we've lost time as well.
- Not only was the film boring, but it was too long.
Common mistakes for Spanish speakers
Spanish "no solo... sino que también" does not invert, so speakers write "not only she finished the race" — the inversion is required after "not only". Also, do not forget the auxiliary ("Not only did she finish", not "Not only she finished") and keep the "but" of the second clause. Watch out for the double meaning: "not only... but also" joins two true facts — do not use it where the second idea contradicts the first.
Not only + did/does/has + subject + verb, but also + clause.
Practice
Multiple Choice
B2Which sentence is correct?
Fill in the Blank
B2Not only he play football, but he also coaches a team.
Hint: Not only + does + subject + verb.
Find the Error
B2Sentence Transformation
B2Task: Rewrite with 'Not only... but also'
Hint: Not only + is + subject..., but also + clause.
Practice Speaking
Apply what you've learned in a real conversation with AI feedback.
Level: B2