A1 · Beginner Chapter 10

Stacking Facts and Exceptions

5 Total Rules
51 examples
6 min
Rules in This Chapter Quick Practice

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Layer your thoughts to describe the world with more detail and nuance.

  • Combine multiple facts about a person or place effortlessly.
  • Express accumulating problems or sequence of events with style.
  • Specify exceptions and additions using 'besides' and 'except for'.
Stack your ideas, define your exceptions.

What You'll Learn

Ready to take your Chinese from basic statements to really expressive conversations? In this super exciting chapter,

Stacking Facts and Exceptions,
you're going to unlock the power to add depth and nuance to everything you say, even as an absolute beginner! What will you master? You’ll learn incredibly useful conjunctions like 不但...而且 and 不仅...而且 – think of them as your secret weapons for saying
not only... but also.
You'll discover how to use them to pile up amazing facts, like
Not only is this restaurant delicious, but it’s also super affordable!
Then, we'll flip the script and show you how to use the same pattern to express accumulating problems, like
Not only is it raining, but I also forgot my umbrella!
Finally, you'll get the hang of 除了...以外, which lets you neatly talk about besides or except for, perfect for when you need to specify details, like
Besides him, everyone else is here.
Why does this matter? Imagine trying to describe your favorite movie, explain why you're busy, or even just order food precisely. These patterns let you build richer sentences, making your Chinese sound much more natural and sophisticated. You won't just list things anymore; you'll connect them with style! By the end of this chapter, you won't just be forming simple sentences; you'll be weaving together ideas, expressing contrasts, and clearly stating exceptions. You'll sound more like a native speaker, ready to impress your Chinese friends with your newfound conversational flair. Don't worry, we'll guide you step-by-step. Let's make your Chinese shine!

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to describe a restaurant using 'not only... but also' to list its positive traits.
  2. 2
    By the end you will be able to explain a difficult situation by stacking problems using negative conjunctions.
  3. 3
    By the end you will be able to clarify who is attending an event using 'except for' and 'besides'.

Chapter Guide

Overview

Welcome to "Stacking Facts and Exceptions," your essential guide to adding depth and flair to your A1 Chinese grammar! As you progress from simple sentences, you'll find that connecting ideas smoothly is key to more natural conversations. This chapter introduces you to incredibly useful Chinese conjunctions that will elevate your speaking and understanding. We're focusing on patterns like 不但...而且 and 不仅...而且 for saying "not only... but also," which are fundamental for expressing multiple related ideas. You'll also master 除了...以外 to clearly state "besides" or "except for."
Why are these patterns so important for learning Chinese A1? Imagine being able to say, "Not only is this movie interesting, but it's also very funny!" or "Besides coffee, I also like tea." These structures allow you to build richer, more complex thoughts, moving beyond basic subject-verb-object constructions. Mastering them will make your Chinese sentences sound more sophisticated and natural, helping you express yourself with greater precision and confidence. By the end of this chapter, you won't just be stating facts; you'll be weaving them together, making your A1 Chinese truly shine!

How This Grammar Works

This chapter equips you with powerful tools to connect ideas, making your Chinese grammar more expressive. Let's break down each pattern:
1. Stacking Facts: Not Only... But Also (不但...而且)
This structure is perfect for linking two positive, additional pieces of information about a subject. The general pattern is: 不但 [fact 1], 而且 [fact 2].
Example

这个餐厅不但好吃，而且很便宜。(Zhège cāntīng bùdàn hǎochī, érqiě hěn piányi.) (This restaurant is not only delicious, but also very cheap.)

You can also use this for Stacking Problems:
Example

天气不但冷，而且下雨了。(Tiānqì bùdàn lěng, érqiě xià yǔ le.) (The weather is not only cold, but also raining.)

2. Chinese Not Only... But Also (不仅...而且)
Similar to 不但...而且, 不仅...而且 also means "not only... but also." While often interchangeable, 不仅 can sometimes imply that the second point is even more significant or unexpected than the first. For A1 Chinese learners, you can generally use them in similar contexts.
Example

他不仅会说中文，而且说得很好。(Tā bùjǐn huì shuō Zhōngwén, érqiě shuō de hěn hǎo.) (He not only can speak Chinese, but also speaks it very well.)

3. Using 除了...以外 (chúle...yǐwài) for 'Besides' and 'Except For'
This versatile phrase can mean two things depending on the context:
* 'Besides' (inclusive): When you mean "in addition to" or "apart from," including the item mentioned.
Example

除了咖啡以外，我还喜欢喝茶。(Chúle kāfēi yǐwài, wǒ hái xǐhuān hē chá.) (Besides coffee, I also like to drink tea.)

* 'Except for' (exclusive): When you mean "excluding" the item mentioned. This often uses 都 (dōu - all) or 没有 (méiyǒu - not have) in the second clause.
Example

除了他以外，大家都来了。(Chúle tā yǐwài, dàjiā dōu lái le.) (Except for him, everyone else came.)

Common Mistakes

  1. 1✗ Wrong: 他不但聪明，而且也努力。(Tā bùdàn cōngmíng, érqiě yě nǔlì.)
✓ Correct: 他不但聪明，而且努力。(Tā bùdàn cōngmíng, érqiě nǔlì.)
*Explanation:* When using 不但...而且 or 不仅...而且, the 也 (yě - also) is usually omitted before the second clause's verb/adjective if the subject is the same. The "also" meaning is already implied by 而且.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: 除了他以外，我去了。(Chúle tā yǐwài, wǒ qù le.)
✓ Correct: 除了他以外，我都去了。(Chúle tā yǐwài, wǒ dōu qù le.)
*Explanation:* When 除了...以外 means "except for," the second part of the sentence often needs 都 (dōu - all) or 也 (yě - also) to clearly indicate that the rest of the group is affected, or 没有 (méiyǒu) if it's a negative statement. Simply saying "I went" doesn't clearly convey the "except for" meaning for an entire group.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: 我喜欢吃水果，而且蔬菜。(Wǒ xǐhuān chī shuǐguǒ, érqiě shūcài.)
✓ Correct: 我不但喜欢吃水果，而且也喜欢吃蔬菜。(Wǒ bùdàn xǐhuān chī shuǐguǒ, érqiě yě xǐhuān chī shūcài.)
*Explanation:* 而且 is a conjunction that connects two clauses or phrases, usually with 不但 or 不仅 preceding the first. It cannot typically stand alone to connect two nouns in this way. For simply listing things, use 和 (hé - and) or just commas.

Real Conversations

A

A

这家咖啡店怎么样？(Zhè jiā kāfēidiàn zěnmeyàng?) (How is this coffee shop?)
B

B

这家咖啡店不但环境好，而且咖啡也很好喝！(Zhè jiā kāfēidiàn bùdàn huánjìng hǎo, érqiě kāfēi yě hěn hǎohē!) (This coffee shop is not only a nice environment, but also the coffee is very good!)
A

A

你周末有什么计划？(Nǐ zhōumò yǒu shénme jìhuà?) (What are your plans for the weekend?)
B

B

除了学习中文以外，我还想去看电影。(Chúle xuéxí Zhōngwén yǐwài, wǒ hái xiǎng qù kàn diànyǐng.) (Besides studying Chinese, I also want to go watch a movie.)
A

A

他是个好学生吗？(Tā shì ge hǎo xuéshēng ma?) (Is he a good student?)
B

B

是的，他不仅学习好，而且对同学也很好。(Shì de, tā bùjǐn xuéxí hǎo, érqiě duì tóngxué yě hěn hǎo.) (Yes, he not only studies well, but also is very good to his classmates.)

Quick FAQ

Q

What is the main difference between 不但...而且 and 不仅...而且 in A1 Chinese grammar?

For A1 Chinese learners, they are largely interchangeable, both meaning "not only... but also." 不仅 can sometimes imply a slightly stronger emphasis or unexpectedness for the second point, but the core meaning is the same.

Q

Can I use 除了 without 以外 in Chinese grammar?

Yes, you can often omit 以外 and just use 除了 (chúle). For example, 除了他，大家都来了 (Chúle tā, dàjiā dōu lái le) is perfectly natural and common.

Q

Are there other ways to say "not only... but also" in Chinese?

While 不但...而且 and 不仅...而且 are the most common and versatile, you might encounter 不但...还/也 (bùdàn...hái/yě) or 不但...并且 (bùdàn...bìngqiě) in more formal contexts. For A1 Chinese, focus on mastering the primary two.

Cultural Context

In daily Chinese conversation, using patterns like 不但...而且 and 除了...以外 is incredibly common and makes your speech sound much more natural and less disjointed. Native speakers frequently use these to elaborate on ideas, offer nuanced opinions, or provide specific details. Rather than just listing separate facts, these conjunctions allow you to create a smooth flow, showing the relationship between different pieces of information. Mastering them helps you communicate more effectively and participate in more sophisticated discussions, even at an early stage of learning Chinese.

Key Examples (8)

1

他不仅很帅，而且很聪明。

He is not only very handsome, but also very smart.

Chinese Not Only... But Also (不仅...而且)
2

这个软件不仅免费，而且很好用。

This software is not only free, but also very easy to use.

Chinese Not Only... But Also (不仅...而且)
3

他不仅聪明，而且很努力。

He is not only smart, but also very hardworking.

Not Only... But Also (`不仅...而且`)
4

这个手机不仅漂亮，而且很便宜。

This phone is not only beautiful, but also very cheap.

Not Only... But Also (`不仅...而且`)
5

这个手机不但很旧，而且很难用。

This phone is not only old, but also hard to use.

Stacking Problems: Not only... but also (不但...而且)
6

今天不但下雨，而且非常冷。

Today it's not only raining, but also extremely cold.

Stacking Problems: Not only... but also (不但...而且)
7

他不但帅，而且很温柔。

He is not only handsome but also very gentle.

Stacking Facts: Not Only... But Also (`不但...而且`)
8

这家餐厅不但好吃，而且不贵。

This restaurant is not only delicious but also not expensive.

Stacking Facts: Not Only... But Also (`不但...而且`)

Tips & Tricks (4)

💡

Comma usage

Always use a comma between the two clauses to make it easier to read.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Chinese Not Only... But Also (不仅...而且)
💡

Subject Placement

Always put the subject before '不仅'. It makes your sentence much clearer.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Not Only... But Also (`不仅...而且`)
💡

Keep it balanced

Try to make the two parts of the sentence similar in length and structure.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Stacking Problems: Not only... but also (不但...而且)
💡

Balance

Try to keep the two parts balanced in length and tone.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Stacking Facts: Not Only... But Also (`不但...而且`)

Key Vocabulary (7)

漂亮(piàoliang) beautiful 便宜(piányi) cheap/affordable 下雨(xiàyǔ) to rain 伞(sǎn) umbrella 水果(shuǐguǒ) fruit 芒果(mángguǒ) mango 聪明(cōngmíng) smart/clever

Real-World Preview

coffee

Reviewing a New Cafe

Review Summary

  • Subject + 不但 (búdàn) + A, 而且 (érqiě) + B
  • Subject + 不仅 (bùjǐn) + A, 而且 (érqiě) + B
  • 除了 (chúle) + X + 以外 (yǐwài), (Subject) + 都 (dōu)/还 (hái) + ...

Common Mistakes

While '也' can be used, the '不但...而且' pattern is the standard complete structure. Beginners often forget the '而且' connector.

Wrong: 我不但喜欢苹果，也喜欢西瓜。(I not only like apples, also like watermelons.)
Correct: 我不但喜欢苹果，而且喜欢西瓜。(I not only like apples, but also like watermelons.)

When the subjects are different (I and He), the '不但' must come BEFORE the first subject, and you usually need '也' in the second part.

Wrong: 不但我不喜欢北京，而且他不喜欢北京。(Not only I don't like Beijing, but also he doesn't like Beijing.)
Correct: 不但我不喜欢北京，而且他也不喜欢北京。(Not only I don't like Beijing, but he also doesn't like Beijing.)

You must include '以外' to complete the frame, and use '都' (all) or '还' (also) to clarify if you are including or excluding the item.

Wrong: 除了芒果，我喜欢水果。(Except mango, I like fruit.)
Correct: 除了芒果以外，我都喜欢吃水果。(Except for mangoes, I like to eat all fruits.)

Next Steps

You've just leveled up your descriptive power! Keep practicing these 'stacking' patterns to sound more expressive and natural.

Describe your family members using 不但...而且.

Write a grocery list using 除了...以外.

Continue to: Handling Contrasts and Surprises

Quick Practice (10)

Choose the correct sentence.

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Subject + 不但 + A + 而且 + B.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Stacking Facts: Not Only... But Also (`不但...而且`)

Fill in the missing adverb.

除了咖啡以外，我 ___ 喝茶。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 还
Additive requires '还'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Using `除了...以外` (chúle...yǐwài) for 'Besides' and 'Except For'

Choose the correct sentence.

Which sentence is grammatically correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他不仅聪明，而且努力。
Subject must come first.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Not Only... But Also (`不仅...而且`)

Fill in the blanks.

他___聪明，___努力。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
The structure is 不但...而且.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Stacking Facts: Not Only... But Also (`不但...而且`)

Fix the error.

Find and fix the mistake:

他不仅高。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Need the second part of the pair.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Chinese Not Only... But Also (不仅...而且)

Fix the error in the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

不仅他聪明，而且他很努力。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他不仅聪明，而且很努力。
Don't repeat the subject.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Not Only... But Also (`不仅...而且`)

Fix the error in the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

他不但聪明，努力。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Missing '而且'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Stacking Problems: Not only... but also (不但...而且)

Fill in the blanks with 不仅 and 而且.

他___聪明，___很努力。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 不仅/而且
Correct structure is 不仅...而且.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Not Only... But Also (`不仅...而且`)

Select the best fit.

This movie is ___ funny, ___ touching.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 不仅/而且
Both are positive traits.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Not Only... But Also (`不仅...而且`)

Fix the error.

Find and fix the mistake:

除了苹果，我没买。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 除了苹果以外，我都没买。
Needs '以外' and '都'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Using `除了...以外` (chúle...yǐwài) for 'Besides' and 'Except For'

Score: /10

Common Questions (6)

No, it's a correlative conjunction. You need both parts.
It's neutral. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Yes, '而且' can be used alone to mean 'and also', but '不仅...而且' is a stronger pair.
No, it can be used for anything, like food, cities, or ideas.
Yes, but it just means 'and'. Using '不但' adds emphasis.
They are synonyms, but '不仅' is more common in formal writing.
Previous Chapter
Setting Conditions
Next Chapter
Handling Contrasts and Surprises
Back to Roadmap