Inversion with 'Not only... but also' (sentence structure)
not only... but also inversion elevates your English to a C1 level of dramatic, sophisticated emphasis.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Move 'Not only' to the start and flip your subject and verb like a question to sound sophisticated and emphatic.
- Start with 'Not only' followed immediately by an auxiliary verb (do, does, did, is, have). Example: 'Not only did she...'
- The first clause uses question word order, but it is not a question. Example: 'Not only is he...'
- The second clause starts with 'but' and usually includes 'also' in the normal position. Example: '...but he also...'
Overview
Use 'not only... but also' for two true ideas.
Starting with 'not only' makes the sentence sound more important.
This is for good English. It is like saying 'never' first.
Example: 'She is smart and kind.' Or: 'Not only is she smart...'
How This Grammar Works
Word Order Rules
- 1Identify the original tense and verb type of the first clause. This determines the appropriate auxiliary verb.
- 2If the original clause contains an auxiliary verb (e.g.,
have,has,hadfor perfect tenses;will,would,can,could,should,must,may,mightfor modals), place this auxiliary directly afternot onlyand before the subject. The main verb follows the subject in its appropriate form (e.g., past participle afterhave).
Not only had she finished her degree, but also she secured a top job.
- 1If the main verb in the original clause is a form of
to be(is,am,are,was,were),to beacts as its own auxiliary. Place the appropriate form ofto beafternot onlyand before the subject.
Not only is he a talented musician, but also he is an accomplished painter.
- 1If the original clause is in the simple present or simple past tense and does not contain an auxiliary verb or
to be(e.g.,He studies hard), you must insertdo,does, ordidas the auxiliary verb. The main verb then reverts to its base form (infinitive withoutto).
Not only does he study hard, but also he excels in all his exams.(Original:He studies hard)Not only did they arrive early, but also they brought refreshments.(Original:They arrived early)
Formation Pattern
Not only can they deliver the project, but also they exceeded all expectations.
Not only are the instructions unclear, but also they are contradictory.
When To Use It
- For Heightened Emphasis and Impact: When both pieces of information you are presenting are significant, and you want to ensure the audience recognizes their combined importance. The inversion creates a momentary deviation from standard syntax, immediately drawing attention to the statement. You might use this when discussing dual benefits, challenges, or achievements. For example,
Not only was the presentation well-researched, but also it was delivered with exceptional clarity.
- In Formal Writing and Academic Discourse: This structure lends a distinguished and authoritative tone, making it highly appropriate for academic essays, research papers, formal reports, and professional correspondence. It signals a sophisticated command of English grammar and a desire for precise, impactful articulation. Consider,
Not only does the empirical data support this hypothesis, but also theoretical models corroborate the findings.
- For Persuasion and Argumentation: When constructing a persuasive argument, using this inversion can make your points more compelling. By linking two strong reasons or consequences, you reinforce your stance and make it harder for your audience to dismiss your claims.
Not only will this policy streamline operations, but also it will significantly boost employee morale.
- To Introduce Surprising or Unexpected Information: If the second clause contains information that adds an element of surprise, intensity, or unexpected value, the inverted structure can magnify this effect. It sets up an expectation with the first point and then delivers an even more impactful follow-up.
Not only did the startup secure initial funding, but also it attracted major investors within its first year.
- In Public Speaking and Rhetoric: For speeches, presentations, or debates where you want to leave a lasting impression, this construction can add gravitas and eloquence. It enables you to deliver complex ideas with greater clarity and a memorable cadence. A speaker might declare,
Not only must we address the immediate crisis, but also we must establish sustainable long-term solutions.
Common Mistakes
- 1Forgetting the Inversion in the First Clause: This is the most prevalent error. Learners correctly identify
not only... but alsoas a correlative conjunction but fail to apply the required subject-auxiliary inversion whennot onlyis sentence-initial.
- Incorrect:
Not only she enjoys classical music, but also she composes her own pieces. - Correct:
Not only does she enjoy classical music, but also she composes her own pieces. - Why it's wrong: The
not onlyat the beginning demands inversion. Failing to invert treats it like a simple conjunctive phrase in mid-sentence, which it is not in this position.
- 1Using the Wrong Auxiliary Verb: Confusion often arises regarding which auxiliary (
do/does/did,have/has/had,be/is/are/was/were, or a modal) to use, particularly when the original sentence didn't explicitly show one.
- Incorrect:
Not only has he finished the report, but also he submitted it early.(Should behadif original wasHe had finished) - Correct:
Not only did he finish the report, but also he submitted it early.(If original wasHe finished) - Why it's wrong: Incorrect auxiliary choice disrupts tense agreement and grammatical correctness. Remember to insert
do/does/didfor simple tenses withoutto beor modals.
- 1Failing to Revert the Main Verb to Base Form: When
do/does/didis introduced as the auxiliary, the main verb of the first clause must revert to its infinitive form (base form withoutto).
- Incorrect:
Not only did he arrived early, but also he brought coffee. - Correct:
Not only did he arrive early, but also he brought coffee. - Why it's wrong: The auxiliary
didalready carries the past tense marking; the main verbarriveshould not be conjugated for tense again.
- 1Inverting the Second Clause: Unless the second clause itself begins with another negative or restrictive adverbial (a rare and highly advanced construction), it should maintain standard SVO order. Attempting to invert the second clause leads to awkward and ungrammatical sentences.
- Incorrect:
Not only did she ace the exam, but also did she win a scholarship. - Correct:
Not only did she ace the exam, but also she won a scholarship. - Why it's wrong: The inversion trigger (
not only) only affects its immediate clause. Thebut alsophrase does not inherently demand inversion in the subsequent clause.
- 1Redundancy or Misplacement of
also: Whilealsois often part of thebut alsoconstruction, sometimes learners incorrectly add anotheralsoor misplace it within the second clause.
- Incorrect:
Not only did they offer a discount, but they also provided free shipping.(Less emphatic, but not strictly incorrect ifalsois meant to modifyprovided) - Better:
Not only did they offer a discount, but also they provided free shipping.(Sticking to the correlative structure) - Why it's wrong: Maintaining the
but alsostructure as a unit is stylistically preferred and reinforces the correlative nature of the conjunction.
Contrast With Similar Patterns
As well as/In addition to: These are neutral, additive conjunctions that simply introduce additional information without the strong emphasis or formal tone of inversion. They maintain standard SVO word order throughout.- Example (Neutral):
She is intelligent as well as hardworking.(Simply states two qualities.) - Example (Emphatic):
Not only is she intelligent, but also she is hardworking.(Highlights both qualities with added impact.) - Key Distinction:
As well asandin addition tofunction purely as connectors;not only... but alsowith inversion functions as an emphatic device that restructures the sentence.
Both... and...: This correlative conjunction emphasizes two elements equally, typically nouns, adjectives, or parallel clauses. It does not trigger inversion and is generally less formal than the invertednot only... but also.- Example (Equal Emphasis):
Both the content and the delivery were excellent. - Example (Intensified Emphasis):
Not only was the content excellent, but also the delivery was impeccable. - Key Distinction: While
both... and...highlights two things, it lacks the dramatic, sentence-initial emphasis and the syntactic complexity of inversion. It simply joins two parallel structures.
- Other Negative Inversions (
Never,Seldom,Hardly,Little,Under no circumstances): These constructions share the core mechanism of subject-auxiliary inversion when placed at the beginning of a sentence. However, their semantic function differs significantly fromnot only... but also. - Shared Feature: All trigger inversion:
Never have I seen such a spectacle.Seldom does he complain. - Distinct Emphasis:
Never,seldom,hardly(andrarely,scarcely) emphasize the rarity or infrequency of an event.Little(e.g.,Little did I know) emphasizes a lack of knowledge or awareness.Under no circumstances(andon no account,in no way) emphasizes an absolute prohibition or impossibility.Not only... but alsoemphasizes the co-occurrence and cumulative significance of two (often positive or negative) facts or actions.- Example (Rarity):
Never have I witnessed such dedication. - Example (Cumulative Significance):
Not only have I witnessed dedication, but also I have observed unparalleled innovation. - Key Distinction: While all these structures use inversion for emphasis, the type of emphasis and the relationship between the ideas they convey are distinct.
Not only... but alsospecifically highlights an additive or intensifying connection between two points.
Real Conversations
While the inverted not only... but also construction carries a formal and emphatic weight, its utility extends beyond purely academic or literary contexts. Advanced English speakers strategically deploy it in modern conversations and varied settings where impact, clarity, and sophistication are valued. It's a tool for moments that demand more than casual phrasing.
- Professional Settings (Meetings, Presentations, Emails): In business communications, this structure effectively highlights multiple achievements or benefits, creating a strong impression of competence and thoroughness.
- Project Manager to Team: "Not only did we meet our Q3 targets, but also we exceeded them by a significant margin, thanks to everyone's effort."
- In a Client Proposal: "Not only does this solution optimize your workflow, but also it reduces long-term operational costs."
- Academic Discussions and Debates: In environments requiring precise argumentation and intellectual rigor, it allows for the eloquent presentation of multifaceted points.
- University Student in a Seminar: "Not only is the author's premise well-supported by evidence, but also its implications for modern society are profound."
- Reviews and Recommendations (Online/Offline): When expressing strong opinions or endorsements, particularly for products, services, or experiences, this structure adds weight to your assessment.
- Online Review for a Restaurant: "Not only was the ambiance delightful, but also the culinary experience was truly exceptional."
- Friend recommending a book: "Not only is this novel a gripping thriller, but also it offers deep psychological insights."
- Formal Narrative or Storytelling: Even in informal storytelling, when recounting events with a dramatic turn or significant development, the inversion can heighten the narrative tension.
- Describing a difficult journey: "Not only was the trail steep and challenging, but also the sudden storm made reaching the summit a perilous endeavor."
- Social Media (Thoughtful Posts/Captions): For more reflective or impactful social media content, away from casual banter, this structure can add a thoughtful, authoritative tone.
- Influencer Caption for a scenic photo: "Not only were the views breathtaking, but also the journey taught me invaluable lessons about perseverance."
These examples illustrate that the inverted not only... but also is not confined to dusty textbooks. It is a dynamic tool for effective communication, chosen when the speaker or writer intends to make a statement that resonates with depth and authority, even within the evolving landscape of modern communication.
Quick FAQ
- Q: Can
alsobe omitted frombut also? - A: Yes,
alsocan often be omitted, especially in less formal contexts or when the additive nature is clear. The phrasenot only... but...is grammatically correct and widely used. However, includingalso(but also) often adds a slightly stronger emphasis to the second point and maintains the correlative parallelism more explicitly. For example,Not only did she sing, but she dancedis correct, butNot only did she sing, but also she dancedcarries a touch more impact.
- Q: Does inversion always happen after
not only? - A: No, inversion only occurs when
not onlybegins the sentence. Ifnot onlyappears mid-sentence, standard subject-verb order is maintained. For instance,She is not only intelligent but also hardworkingis a standard correlative conjunction use without inversion, whereasNot only is she intelligent, but also she is hardworkingis the inverted, emphatic form.
- Q: What if the first clause uses the verb
to beas the main verb? - A: If
to be(is,am,are,was,were) is the main verb in the first clause, it acts as its own auxiliary verb for the purpose of inversion. You do not introducedo/does/did. Example:Not only is she a brilliant scientist, but also she is a compassionate mentor.(Original thought:She is a brilliant scientist...).
- Q: Is
not only... but alsoonly used for positive aspects? - A: Not at all. This structure can effectively link two negative aspects, or a mix of positive and negative, as long as both points are being emphasized. Example linking two negatives:
Not only did he miss the deadline, but also he failed to communicate the delay to the team.The emphasis is on the dual failures.
- Q: Can I use it to connect more than two items?
- A: Generally, no. The
not only... but alsoconstruction is specifically designed to highlight two distinct but related points. For lists of three or more items, it is more idiomatic to use standard listing structures withand,in addition to, or simply enumerating the points in a sentence.
- Q: Is this pattern more common in spoken or written English?
- A: The inverted
not only... but alsois generally more characteristic of formal written English and formal spoken English (e.g., speeches, presentations, academic discussions). However, as demonstrated in theReal Conversationssection, it can be strategically employed in certain informal spoken contexts to add significant impact or a touch of sophisticated wit, often when making a strong point or an enthusiastic recommendation.
- Q: What is the main difference between
not only... but alsoandas well as? - A: The fundamental difference lies in emphasis and formality.
Not only... but also(especially with inversion) is a highly emphatic and often formal construction that draws significant attention to two interconnected points.As well as, in contrast, is a more neutral, additive connector that simply means "and also" or "in addition to," without triggering inversion or carrying the same rhetorical weight.As well asmerely adds information, whilenot only... but alsohighlights and often intensifies the relationship between two pieces of information.
Inversion Patterns by Tense
| Tense | Auxiliary Used | Inverted Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Present Simple
|
do / does
|
Not only does/do + S + Verb...
|
Not only does he work...
|
|
Past Simple
|
did
|
Not only did + S + Verb...
|
Not only did they win...
|
|
Present Continuous
|
is / am / are
|
Not only is/am/are + S + V-ing...
|
Not only are they coming...
|
|
Present Perfect
|
have / has
|
Not only have/has + S + V-ed...
|
Not only has she seen...
|
|
Past Perfect
|
had
|
Not only had + S + V-ed...
|
Not only had he left...
|
|
Modal Verbs
|
can / will / should
|
Not only can/will + S + Verb...
|
Not only can she sing...
|
|
Verb 'To Be'
|
is / was / were
|
Not only is/was + S + Adj...
|
Not only was it cold...
|
Meanings
A rhetorical device used to emphasize that two related things are true, often suggesting that the second thing is even more surprising or important than the first.
Emphatic Addition
Used to highlight that a second, often more significant, fact exists alongside the first.
“Not only is she a brilliant scientist, but she is also a talented pianist.”
Rhetorical Persuasion
Used in debates or arguments to stack evidence in a way that sounds authoritative.
“Not only does this policy save money, but it also protects the environment.”
Narrative Drama
Used in storytelling to build tension or show a sequence of unfortunate or fortunate events.
“Not only had the rain started, but the car had also broken down.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Present Simple (He/She)
|
Not only does + S + base verb
|
Not only does he study, but he also works.
|
|
Present Simple (I/You/They)
|
Not only do + S + base verb
|
Not only do they play, but they also coach.
|
|
Past Simple
|
Not only did + S + base verb
|
Not only did she call, but she also visited.
|
|
Verb 'To Be' (Past)
|
Not only was/were + S + adjective
|
Not only were they late, but they were also rude.
|
|
Present Perfect
|
Not only has/have + S + past participle
|
Not only have we finished, but we have also cleaned.
|
|
Modal (Can)
|
Not only can + S + base verb
|
Not only can he cook, but he can also bake.
|
|
Future (Will)
|
Not only will + S + base verb
|
Not only will it rain, but it will also snow.
|
Formality Spectrum
Not only is she a gifted orator, but she is also a profound thinker. (Describing a colleague)
She's not only a good speaker but also a deep thinker. (Describing a colleague)
She's great at speaking and she's really smart too. (Describing a colleague)
She's got the gift of the gab and she's lowkey a genius. (Describing a colleague)
The Anatomy of Inversion
First Clause
- Inverted Order Auxiliary before Subject
Second Clause
- Normal Order Subject before Verb
Tone
- Formal Academic/Professional
Standard vs. Inverted
Should I Invert?
Does 'Not only' start the sentence?
Examples by Level
He is tall and he is also strong.
She likes apples and she also likes oranges.
I am a student and I also work.
The car is red and it is also fast.
He is not only kind but also funny.
The house is not only big but also cheap.
She not only sings but also dances.
It is not only cold but also raining.
She not only finished the report, but she also sent it to the boss.
The movie was not only long, but it was also very boring.
He not only plays the guitar, but he also writes his own songs.
They not only visited London, but they also went to Edinburgh.
Not only was the food delicious, but the service was also excellent.
Not only does he speak three languages, but he also knows how to code.
Not only have they moved house, but they have also changed jobs.
Not only did it rain all day, but we also lost our umbrellas.
Not only did the CEO resign, but the entire board also stepped down.
Not only is the theory flawed, but it also lacks empirical evidence.
Not only had the hackers stolen the data, but they had also encrypted the backups.
Not only should we reduce taxes, but we must also increase public spending.
Not only were his actions unethical; they were also arguably illegal.
Not only does the poem evoke a sense of loss, but it also subverts traditional sonnet forms.
Not only can such measures be seen as intrusive, but they also risk alienating the electorate.
Not only did she refuse to apologize, but she also had the audacity to blame the victim.
Easily Confused
Learners forget to invert when moving 'Not only' to the front.
Both use inversion, but 'Neither' is for negative addition.
The word order is the same, but 'Not only' sentences are not questions.
Common Mistakes
He not only tall but also strong.
He is not only tall but also strong.
He is not only tall also strong.
He is not only tall but also strong.
Not only he is tall...
He is not only tall...
She not only plays piano but also she sings.
She not only plays piano but also sings.
Not only she likes tea...
She not only likes tea...
Not only he likes pizza, but he also likes pasta.
Not only does he like pizza, but he also likes pasta.
Not only did he arrived late...
Not only did he arrive late...
Not only did he arrive late, but also did he forget his keys.
Not only did he arrive late, but he also forgot his keys.
Not only is the car fast, but also is it cheap.
Not only is the car fast, but it is also cheap.
Not only he has finished...
Not only has he finished...
Not only the price was high...
Not only was the price high...
Sentence Patterns
Not only is ___ ___, but it is also ___.
Not only did ___ ___, but they also ___.
Not only does ___ ___, but it also ___.
Not only have ___ ___, but we have also ___.
Real World Usage
Not only did I lead the team, but I also exceeded the annual targets.
Not only is the climate changing, but the rate of change is also accelerating.
Not only will we rebuild our schools, but we will also invest in our teachers.
Not only was the steak overcooked, but the service was also incredibly slow.
Not only did the defendant trespass, but he also damaged private property.
Not only does our product clean better, but it also smells fresher.
The Question Test
Don't Overuse It
The 'But' is Optional
Sarcasm Alert
Smart Tips
Use one 'Not only' inversion in your conclusion to summarize two main points with impact.
Immediately look for the auxiliary verb. If it's not there, the sentence is likely wrong.
Remember to change the main verb back to its base form when you add 'did'.
Try using a semicolon instead of 'but' for a sophisticated, punchy rhythm.
Pronunciation
Stress on 'Not'
The word 'Not' is usually heavily stressed to signal the start of an emphatic structure.
Rising Intonation
The first clause often has a rising intonation at the end to create suspense for the second clause.
The Suspense Curve
Not only did he [rise] WIN, but he [fall] also broke the RECORD.
Creates a sense of building importance.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Not only' as a question starter. If you can't make it a question, you can't invert it!
Visual Association
Imagine a mirror at the start of the sentence. When the subject and verb look into the 'Not only' mirror, they see themselves swapped.
Rhyme
When 'Not only' leads the way, the verb and subject swap their play.
Story
A formal butler enters a room. He doesn't just say 'The tea is hot.' He says, 'Not only is the tea hot, sir, but the scones are also fresh.' The butler always inverts because he is very formal.
Word Web
Challenge
Write three sentences about your favorite hobby using inversion. One must use 'did', one 'is', and one 'has'.
Cultural Notes
Inversion is very common in high-level British journalism (e.g., The Economist, BBC News) to sound authoritative.
Used frequently in US universities to link evidence in argumentative essays.
This structure is a classic 'tricolon' or 'bicolon' device used in Western oratory from Cicero to Churchill.
Derived from Old English 'na læs þæt an... ac eac' (not less that one... but also).
Conversation Starters
Tell me about a city you visited. Not only was it... but it was also...
What makes a good leader? Not only should they... but they must also...
Think of a bad day you had. Not only did... but... also...
Discuss the benefits of technology. Not only has it... but it has also...
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
She speaks Japanese and she also speaks Russian.
Find and fix the mistake:
Not only was the movie long, but also was it boring.
Not only ___ ___ the keys, but he also lost his wallet.
Choose the best option:
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
In the structure 'Not only... but also', both clauses must be inverted.
She has finished the work.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesShe speaks Japanese and she also speaks Russian.
Find and fix the mistake:
Not only was the movie long, but also was it boring.
Not only ___ ___ the keys, but he also lost his wallet.
Choose the best option:
only / did / not / he / fail / but / he / also / lied
1. Not only is he rich... | 2. Not only did they win... | 3. Not only have we finished...
In the structure 'Not only... but also', both clauses must be inverted.
She has finished the work.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesNot only _____ the company achieve its sales targets, but also it expanded into new markets.
Not only was the presentation informative, but also was it engaging.
Which sentence is correct?
Translate into English: 'She not only speaks German, but also she teaches it.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the clauses:
Not only _____ the director resign, but also several key employees followed suit.
Not only has the company expanded its services, but also it acquiring new clients.
Choose the correct sentence:
Translate into English: 'I not only love learning languages, but I also enjoy teaching them.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Complete the inverted sentences:
Score: /12
FAQ (8)
Yes, if it's in the middle of the sentence: 'He is not only smart but also kind.' Inversion is only for when 'Not only' starts the sentence.
Usually, you need 'but' to connect the two clauses. 'Also' can sometimes be replaced by 'as well' at the end of the sentence.
Yes! It sounds professional and highlights your achievements effectively.
This is a historical feature of English where certain negative adverbs trigger 'Subject-Auxiliary Inversion', the same mechanism used for questions.
Yes, it is standard to use a comma to separate the two independent clauses.
It's rare. Usually, it's for two. For three, you'd just use a list: 'He is smart, kind, and funny.'
You must add 'do', 'does', or 'did', just like you do when forming a question in the present or past simple.
Only in very formal situations, like a wedding toast, a presentation, or a speech. In daily chat, it sounds too 'bookish'.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
No solo... sino también
No inversion in Spanish.
Nicht nur... sondern auch
German inversion is driven by V2 rules, not just the negative adverb.
Non seulement... mais aussi
French maintains standard SVO order.
〜だけでなく〜も
Particle-based structure vs. word-order inversion.
ليس فقط... بل أيضاً
No specific syntactic 'flip' required.
不仅... 而且...
Strict SVO order with no auxiliary-subject swap.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Videos
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