“Not only…but also” is a powerful grammatical structure used to express addition and emphasis. Mastering its use can significantly enhance your IELTS writing and speaking, helping you achieve a Band 7 or higher. This article explores the structure, provides examples across different IELTS sections, and offers tips for maximizing its impact in your exam.

Let’s look at a few examples of how “not only…but also” can be used in the IELTS exam:

Speaking Part 2:

Describe a time you achieved something difficult.

“Not only did I complete the marathon, but I also managed to raise over $1000 for charity.”

Writing Task 2:

Some people believe that technology has made our lives easier. Others believe that it has made our lives more stressful. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

“Technology has undoubtedly brought many benefits; however, it has not only increased our workload, but also blurred the lines between work and personal life.”

Listening Section 3:

(In a lecture about the benefits of a new learning method)

“The new method has proven to be highly effective. Students not only show improved test scores but also demonstrate a deeper understanding of the subject matter.”

Understanding “Not Only…But Also”

This structure highlights the addition of two related pieces of information, with the second piece often holding greater significance. It’s particularly effective for:

• Adding emphasis: By using this structure, you draw attention to both pieces of information, especially the second one.
• Showing contrast: While expressing addition, it can also subtly highlight a contrast between the two elements.

Visual representation of

Structure and Grammar

The basic formula is:

Not only + auxiliary verb + subject + verb + … , but + subject (+ also) + verb + …

Important Notes:

• Inversion: Notice the inversion of subject and auxiliary verb after “not only” when it starts the sentence.
• Parallelism: The grammatical structure after “not only” should be mirrored after “but also” for clarity and stylistic elegance.
• ‘Also’ is optional: You can choose to omit ‘also’ after ‘but’ without changing the meaning, but including it adds emphasis.

Applying “Not Only…But Also” in IELTS

Writing

1. Task 2 (Opinion/Discussion):

   • “Some argue that space exploration is a waste of resources. However, I believe that it not only advances scientific knowledge, but also inspires future generations.”

2. Task 1 (Describing Trends):

   • “The graph shows that not only did car sales increase dramatically between 2010 and 2020, but the use of public transportation also declined steadily.”

Speaking

1. Part 1 (Short Answers):

   • “Do you enjoy reading?”
   • “Yes, I find it very relaxing. Not only does it help me unwind after a long day, but it also expands my vocabulary.”

2. Part 3 (Discussion):

   • “What are the benefits of learning a new language?”
   • “Well, it not only improves your cognitive skills, but it also opens doors to new cultures and experiences.”

Achieving a Higher Band Score

To impress the examiner and aim for a higher band score, consider these tips:

• Vary your language: Don’t overuse “not only…but also.” Use synonyms like “furthermore,” “moreover,” “in addition to,” or “not to mention.”

• Complex structures: Incorporate the structure into more complex sentences to demonstrate grammatical range.

  • “Not only has the internet revolutionized communication, but it has also had a profound impact on the way we consume information.”

• Accurate punctuation: Use commas correctly to separate clauses within the structure.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Incorrect word order: Remember the inversion after “not only.”
• Lack of parallelism: Maintain the same grammatical structure after “not only” and “but also.”
• Overuse: Using the structure too often can make your writing repetitive.

Conclusion

“Not only…but also” is a valuable tool for IELTS candidates. By understanding its structure, nuances, and applications, you can effectively use it to boost your score in various sections of the exam. Remember to practice incorporating it into your writing and speaking to enhance your fluency and grammatical range.