Unit 9.2
Correlative Conjunctions – Part 1
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Introduction
Conjunctions are words that function as a link between different clauses or elements in sentences.
Correlative conjunctions are conjunctions that come in pairs.
Form
Some correlative conjunctions are not only…but also.
These conjunctions can have two different positions:
Not only + clause 1 + , + but also + clause 2 …
Subject + not only + verb + complement + but also + complement…
Example
- Not only did we try Andalusian food, but also Indian food.
- Not only have they increased the prices, but they have also changed the products.
- Not only she can sing, but also dance.
- I not only drink the chamomile tea, but also the mint tea.
- He not only lost his job, but also his reputation.
- We not only speak Spanish, but also Italian.
Use
We use not only… but also… to focus on two pieces of surprising information, that are parallel to each other.
The second piece of information is usually more surprising than the first one.
Summary
The correlative conjunction not only… but also… is used to emphasise two pieces of surprising information that are parallel to each other, with the second piece of information being more surprising.
We start with not only followed by a clause, a comma, but also and another clause. We can also start with the subject followed by not only followed by a verb with a complement followed by but also and another complement (we do not use a comma here).
For example:
— “I ate not only grilled chicken but also grilled fish.” = I ate both grilled chicken and fish.
— “Not only did I eat grilled chicken but also grilled fish.” = As we start with not only, we need to invert subject and verb (…did i eat grilled chicken – …I did eat grilled chicken).
♦ “I ate grilled chicken and grilled fish.” = When we use the conjunction and, the two pieces of information are not surprising.
Let’s revise this content within the {Form} section. Take a look at the {Example} section that shows its use within a context.
Exercises
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