Not only…but also links two grammatically parallel elements, and both halves must share the same form. When not only opens an entire sentence, that clause requires subject-auxiliary inversion, as in not only did she finish early, but she also impressed the client, while the but also clause keeps normal order.
Grammar Rule
Not only… but also links two grammatically parallel elements, and both halves must share the same form. When not only opens an entire sentence followed by a full clause, that clause requires subject-auxiliary inversion. The but also clause that follows keeps normal word order. When not only links smaller elements within a single clause, no inversion is required.
Not Only… But Also: Parallelism and Inversion: Rules and Examples
| Position | Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Not only opens the sentence | requires inversion | Not only did she finish early, but she also impressed the client. |
| Not only links elements mid-clause | no inversion needed | She is not only talented but also hardworking. |
Remember: Invert only the not only clause when it opens the sentence, keep the but also clause in normal order, and always match the grammatical form on both sides.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below using not only… but also correctly with parallelism and inversion. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
C2-40 "Not only… but also" Parallelism and Inversion
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is required between the two halves of not only… but also?
Grammatical parallelism; both halves must share the same form.
What happens when not only opens the sentence?
The clause requires subject-auxiliary inversion, as in not only did she finish early, but she also impressed the client.
Does the but also clause invert too?
No, it keeps normal word order.
Is inversion needed when not only links smaller elements mid-clause?
No, as in she is not only talented but also hardworking.