The “not only… but also” construction is a powerful tool for emphasizing the dual nature of a situation or highlighting an additional and often surprising fact. It’s a common sight in IELTS reading passages and can be effectively incorporated into your writing and speaking to demonstrate grammatical range and sophistication.
Here are some examples of how “not only… but also” might appear across different sections of the IELTS exam:
- Writing Task 2: “Globalization has not only led to increased economic interdependence but also fostered cultural exchange.”
- Speaking Part 3: “Well, studying abroad can not only enhance your language skills but also broaden your horizons.”
- Reading: “The invention of the internet revolutionized communication, allowing people to not only share information instantly but also connect with others across the globe.”
In each of these examples, “not only… but also” links two related ideas, with the second part often introducing a more significant or unexpected point.
Understanding “Not Only… But Also”
This construction is essentially a correlative conjunction, similar to “both… and” or “either… or.” It’s used to connect two grammatically equal elements, emphasizing the latter.
Frequency in IELTS: While not as frequent as simpler conjunctions like “and” or “but,” “not only… but also” appears regularly in both academic and general IELTS modules. Correct usage can showcase your ability to handle complex grammatical structures, boosting your score in grammatical range and accuracy.
Using “Not Only… But Also”
Here’s the basic structure:
Not only + [Subject] + [Verb] + … but also + [Subject] + [Verb] + …
Let’s break down the grammatical rules:
Parallelism: The elements connected by “not only… but also” must be grammatically parallel. This means they should share the same grammatical structure.
- Correct: Learning a new language is not only intellectually stimulating but also personally rewarding.
- Incorrect: Learning a new language is not only intellectually stimulating but also it broadens your horizons. (The second part should also be an adjective phrase.)
Subject-Verb Agreement: Ensure the verbs agree with their respective subjects.
- Correct: The company not only manufactures products but also provides excellent customer service.
- Incorrect: The company not only manufactures products but also provide excellent customer service.
Applying “Not Only… But Also” in IELTS
Writing Task 2:
- “Urbanization has not only strained public infrastructure but also led to a rise in housing costs.” This sentence effectively presents two drawbacks of urbanization, making your argument more persuasive.
Speaking Part 3:
- “I believe technology has not only made our lives more convenient but also created new opportunities for learning and connecting with others.” This demonstrates your ability to articulate complex ideas and provide a balanced viewpoint.
Reading:
- When encountering “not only… but also” in a reading passage, pay attention to the two linked elements. Often, the information following “but also” will be crucial for answering comprehension questions.
Not Only But Also Illustration
Boosting Your Score: Tips for Effective Usage
Vary Your Sentence Structure: Don’t overuse “not only… but also.” Consider synonyms like:
- “Furthermore,”
- “Moreover,”
- “In addition to…”
Emphasize the Second Element: The information after “but also” usually carries more weight.
Contextual Appropriateness: While useful, ensure the construction fits the tone and style of your writing or speaking.
Common Errors to Avoid
Incorrect Parallelism: “He not only enjoys playing the guitar but also to sing.” (Should be “but also singing.”)
Misplaced Modifiers: “The restaurant not only serves delicious food but also is located in a beautiful setting.” (The second part should be about the food, not the restaurant itself.)
Conclusion
Mastering “not only… but also” can significantly enhance your grammatical range and precision in the IELTS exam. By understanding its structure, practicing its application, and being mindful of common errors, you can confidently wield this construction to craft impactful sentences and achieve your desired band score.
Remember to explore other conjunctions and grammatical structures to further enrich your language use. For more insights and practice, you can refer to resources like this article on the use of “not only… but also” and this one with additional examples.
