Hey friends! Ever been confused about how to use commas with phrases like "not only…but also"? You're not alone. Many English learners stumble here, thinking it's complicated or always tricky. But don't worry—today, I'm going to show you everything you need to know about this powerful connector. By the end, you'll be able to master its correct use confidently, making your sentences clearer and more polished.
Contents
- 1 What Is the Comma with "Not Only…But Also"?
- 2 When and How to Use the Comma with "Not Only…But Also"
- 3 Detailed Usage Table with Examples
- 4 Examples from Different Contexts
- 5 Forms of "Not Only…But Also" with Examples
- 6 Tips for Success with "Not Only…But Also"
- 7 Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
- 8 Why Is Proper Use Important?
- 9 Similar Variations and Alternatives
- 10 Practice Exercises
- 11 Summary & Final Thoughts
What Is the Comma with "Not Only…But Also"?
Let's start with the basics. The phrase "not only…but also" is a correlative conjunction — a pair of words that connect two ideas, emphasizing that two things happen together or are equally important.
Definition List
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Correlative conjunction | A pair of words used together to connect equal sentence parts. |
| "Not only…but also" | A common correlative conjunction linking two related ideas, emphasizing their connection. |
Why Use It?
Using "not only…but also" helps to:
- Add emphasis to both parts of a sentence.
- Make your writing more intricate and expressive.
- Highlight two related ideas equally.
Example: She is not only talented but also hardworking.
When and How to Use the Comma with "Not Only…But Also"
Fundamental Rules
Here’s a quick summary:
- The phrase "not only…but also" is usually followed by two independent clauses or two parallel phrases.
- A comma is generally used before "but also" when connecting two independent clauses.
- When "not only" begins a sentence or phrase, the comma typically appears after "not only," especially if what follows is a complete thought.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Identify the two ideas you're connecting.
- Confirm that both ideas are related and of equal importance.
- Place "not only" at the start of the first idea.
- Insert "but also" before the second idea.
- Use a comma after "not only" if the phrase is at the beginning of a sentence or clause.
- Place the comma before "but also" if both parts are independent clauses.
Detailed Usage Table with Examples
| Scenario | Example | Explanation | Correct Punctuation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecting two independent clauses | She not only enjoys reading, but also writes poetry. | Two complete ideas. | Yes — comma before "but also" |
| Beginning with "not only" | Not only did he forget, but also he arrived late. | "Not only" starts the sentence; comma after "not only." | Yes — comma after "not only" |
| Connecting two phrases | She is not only smart but also beautiful. | Both are phrases, not full clauses. | No comma needed unless for clarity |
| Listing items with "not only…but also" | He is not only a teacher but also a mentor. | Parallel structure | No comma required |
Examples from Different Contexts
To truly understand, let's see 15 meaningful categories demonstrating correct usage:
| Category | Example Sentences |
|---|---|
| Personality traits | Not only is he kind, but also generous. |
| Physical descriptions | She is not only tall, but also athletic. |
| Roles | He not only teaches, but also mentors students. |
| Skills | She not only speaks English, but also knows French. |
| Achievements | They not only won the match, but also broke records. |
| Hobbies | I not only enjoy painting, but also playing guitar. |
| Family | My brother not only studies hard, but also volunteers. |
| Professional qualities | The manager not only is experienced, but also supportive. |
| Physical characteristics | The car not only looks good, but also runs efficiently. |
| Travel experiences | We not only visited Paris, but also explored Rome. |
| Environmental features | The house not only overlooks the ocean, but also has a large garden. |
| Cultural interests | He not only loves jazz, but also adores classical music. |
| Health habits | She not only exercises regularly, but also eats healthy. |
| Educational background | The student not only passed all exams, but also received honors. |
| Relationships | They not only are friends, but also business partners. |
Forms of "Not Only…But Also" with Examples
While the typical form involves two clauses or phrases, here’s a quick guide to different forms:
1. Two Independent Clauses
She not only enjoys painting, but also writes poetry.
2. Parallel Phrases
He is not only talented but also hardworking.
3. Beginning of Sentence
Not only did she arrive early, but also prepared everything.
4. Inversion for Emphasis
Not only is he smart, but also charming.
Tips for Success with "Not Only…But Also"
- Always check if both ideas are of equal weight.
- Use the comma for clarity when connecting two independent clauses.
- Avoid unnecessary commas when connecting phrases that aren’t full sentences.
- Keep the structure parallel—balance both parts for better flow.
- Practice with different sentence types to build confidence.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
| Mistake | How to Fix It | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Omitting comma before "but also" | Place comma before "but also" | When connecting independent clauses, commas improve clarity. |
| Using comma unnecessarily | Do not add comma between two phrases | When connecting phrases, no comma needed unless for emphasis. |
| Not maintaining parallel structure | Keep both parts grammatically similar | Parallelism makes sentences clearer and more elegant. |
| Overusing "not only" at start | Use variances or modify sentence | Repetition can weaken clarity—vary sentence structure when possible. |
Why Is Proper Use Important?
Using "not only…but also" correctly isn't just about grammar — it impacts your clarity, professionalism, and style. Proper punctuation ensures your ideas are well-organized and easily understood. Plus, it adds sophistication to your writing.
Similar Variations and Alternatives
- "Both…and" — simpler but less emphatic.
- "Not just…but also" — similar, with slight nuance.
- "Either…or" — alternative for choices.
Example: She is both talented and dedicated.
or
He not only cares about his work, but also about his team.
Practice Exercises
1. Fill-in-the-Blank
a) She ___ enjoys jazz, ___ classical music.
b) ___ he arrived early, ___ prepared all the documents.
2. Error Correction
Identify and correct the mistake:
- She is not only talented but also hardworking, and disciplined.
3. Identification
Is this sentence correct? Why or why not?
They not only went to the park, but also played football.
4. Sentence Construction
Create your own sentences using "not only…but also" for:
- a personality trait
- a hobby
- an achievement
5. Category Matching
Match the sentence to its category:
| Sentence | Category |
|---|---|
| He not only studies medicine but also volunteers at clinics. | Profession & Community Service |
| She is not only fashionable but also confident. | Personality Traits |
Summary & Final Thoughts
There you have it! Now you know how, when, and why to use "not only…but also" with the proper comma placement. Remember, the key is to recognize whether you're linking two equal ideas and then choose the correct punctuation accordingly. Practice makes perfect — so try creating your own sentences, identify errors, and vary your structures.
Mastering this connector will add polish to your writing and speech. Whether you're writing an essay, a business email, or just chatting, this grammar tip can make a real difference.
Keep practicing, stay consistent, and you'll be using "not only…but also" like a pro in no time!
Happy writing!