Many IELTS candidates aim to enhance their speaking scores by incorporating more complex grammatical structures. “Not only…but also” is a great option to boost your band score, as it demonstrates a stronger command of English grammar and allows you to express two related ideas more effectively. This article will delve into the proper usage of this construction, highlight common mistakes, and provide ample examples to illustrate its application in different sections of the IELTS speaking test.

Understanding “Not Only…But Also”

The “not only…but also” construction is a correlative conjunction. This means it connects two equal grammatical units, emphasizing that both parts of the sentence are true and significant. It’s used to express surprise, emphasize a point, or add more information. Let’s see some examples of how this structure can be used in the context of IELTS speaking:

Example 1: Part 1 (Talking about your hometown)

• Basic: My hometown is beautiful and historic.
• Enhanced: My hometown is not only beautiful but also steeped in history.

Example 2: Part 2 (Describing a memorable event)

• Basic: The concert was crowded and exciting.
• Enhanced: The concert was not only incredibly crowded but also one of the most exciting I’ve ever been to.

Example 3: Part 3 (Discussing the impact of technology)

• Basic: Technology has made communication easier and faster.
• Enhanced: Technology has not only made communication easier but also significantly faster.

As you can see, using “not only…but also” adds more emphasis and sophistication to your sentences, demonstrating a higher level of English fluency.

Constructing “Not Only…But Also” Correctly

The structure for this grammatical tool is quite straightforward:

Not only + [Auxiliary Verb] + [Subject] + [Verb]… but also + [Clause]

Let’s break it down:

• Not only: This part introduces the first element of your statement.
• Auxiliary Verb: This matches the tense of the main verb in your sentence. Common examples include “is,” “are,” “was,” “were,” “has,” “have,” “did,” “do,” etc.
• Subject: This refers to the person or thing performing the action.
• Verb: This is the action word in your sentence.
• But also: This introduces the second element, further emphasizing the point.
• Clause: This part completes the second part of your statement.

Note: The subject and auxiliary verb are sometimes omitted in the second part of the construction if they are the same as in the first part.

IELTS Speaking Test Example

Using “Not Only…But Also” in Different Parts of the IELTS Speaking Test

You can incorporate “not only…but also” into all three parts of the IELTS speaking test to showcase your grammatical range and fluency:

Part 1:

• Examiner: What do you enjoy about your job?
• You: Not only do I enjoy the challenging work, but I also have the opportunity to travel and meet new people.

Part 2:

• Describe a time you had to overcome a challenge.
• You: This experience was not only incredibly challenging but also incredibly rewarding in the end. It taught me the importance of perseverance and taught me valuable skills that I still use today.

Part 3:

• Examiner: What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in a big city?
• You: Living in a big city not only provides access to a wider range of job opportunities but also offers a more vibrant and diverse cultural experience.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

While the structure seems simple, there are a few common mistakes to avoid:

• Incorrect Parallelism: Make sure the phrases connected by “not only…but also” are grammatically parallel.

  • Incorrect: The film was not only boring but also it was too long.
  • Correct: The film was not only boring but also excessively long.

• Misplaced Modifiers: Be mindful of the placement of “not only” to avoid ambiguity.

  • Unclear: He not only plays the guitar but also the piano. (Does he play both at the same time?)
  • Clear: He plays not only the guitar but also the piano.

Tips for Using “Not Only…But Also” Effectively

Here are some additional tips to help you use this structure naturally and effectively:

• Don’t overuse it: While impressive, using this construction excessively can sound unnatural. Utilize it strategically to emphasize key points.
• Pay attention to intonation: Your voice should rise slightly at the end of the “not only” clause and fall at the end of the “but also” clause to indicate the connection between the two ideas.
• Practice makes perfect: Incorporate this structure into your daily English practice, both in writing and speaking.

By mastering the “not only…but also” construction, you can add sophistication and clarity to your spoken English, ultimately helping you achieve a higher band score in the IELTS speaking test. Remember to practice regularly, be mindful of common errors, and use this grammatical tool naturally and effectively to showcase your language proficiency.