“Not Only Did She Graduate, But She Also Received Honors.” This sentence packs a punch, doesn’t it? It emphasizes the remarkable achievement of graduating with honors, going beyond simply stating two separate facts. In the realm of IELTS writing, especially in the Writing Task 2 essay, employing such emphatic constructions can significantly enhance your ability to express ideas with greater clarity and impact.
Let’s consider a few examples of how this construction can be used across different IELTS Writing tasks:
Example 1 (Writing Task 2):
- Basic sentence: Technology has improved communication. Technology has created new jobs.
- Emphatic sentence: Not only has technology improved communication, but it has also created a plethora of new job opportunities.
Example 2 (Writing Task 1 – Describing a Trend):
- Basic sentence: The number of tourists increased. The local economy grew.
- Emphatic sentence: Not only did the number of tourists surge dramatically, but the local economy also witnessed substantial growth.
Example 3 (Expressing an Opinion):
- Basic sentence: Learning a new language has personal benefits. It makes you more employable.
- Emphatic sentence: Learning a new language is not only personally enriching but also significantly enhances one’s employability.
Understanding the “Not Only… But Also” Construction
The “not only… but also” construction is a correlative conjunction, meaning it connects two grammatically equal parts of a sentence. Its primary function is to emphasize the second part of the sentence, often highlighting an additional and often more surprising or significant point.
Mastering the Grammar: Form and Usage
Here’s the structure broken down:
Not only + auxiliary verb + Subject + Verb + …, but + Subject + auxiliary verb + also + Verb + …
Key Points:
- Inversion: Notice the inversion in the first part of the sentence. The auxiliary verb comes before the subject (“Not only did she graduate…”).
- Auxiliary Verbs: The auxiliary verbs in both clauses should match in tense (e.g., “Not only has technology improved…, but it has also…”).
- ‘Also’: While ‘also’ is commonly used in the second clause, it can be omitted without changing the meaning.
IELTS Writing Task 2 Example
Applying “Not Only… But Also” for IELTS Success
Writing Task 2:
Using this structure can strengthen your arguments and demonstrate a wider range of grammatical structures, both of which contribute to a higher band score.
Example:
Prompt: Some people believe that the government should fund public transportation more than private car use. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Response: Investing in public transportation not only alleviates traffic congestion in urban areas but also plays a pivotal role in reducing carbon emissions, contributing to a healthier environment for all.
Writing Task 1:
While less common in Task 1, you can use this structure to highlight significant trends or comparisons in data.
Example:
The graph illustrates the changes in energy sources from 1990 to 2010. Not only did the use of coal decline significantly, but renewable energy sources also saw a remarkable surge in popularity over the two decades.
Common Errors to Avoid
- Incorrect Inversion: Remember to invert the subject and auxiliary verb in the first clause.
- Incorrect: Not only she graduated…
- Correct: Not only did she graduate…
- Tense Mismatch: Ensure the tenses in both clauses are consistent.
- Incorrect: Not only did he study hard, but he also excels in his exams.
- Correct: Not only did he study hard, but he also excelled in his exams.
- Overuse: While effective, avoid using this construction excessively, as it can make your writing sound repetitive.
Conclusion
The “not only… but also” structure is a valuable tool to elevate your IELTS writing. By understanding its form, usage, and potential pitfalls, you can express your ideas with greater emphasis and sophistication, ultimately boosting your chances of achieving a higher band score. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be wielding this structure with the confidence of a native speaker!
