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but also
/bʌt ˈɔlsoʊ/
in addition
She is not only smart but also kind.
She is smart and, in addition, kind.
formal
used to introduce an additional element or aspect
The report is not only detailed but also accurate.
The report is detailed and, in addition, accurate.
He speaks not only English but also French.
He speaks English and, in addition, French.
Commonly used in formal writing and speech to connect contrasting or complementary ideas. Often paired with 'not only' for emphasis.
Collocations
not only... but alsoused to emphasize two related ideas
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Parallel Structure
When using 'not only... but also', ensure the words or phrases following each part are grammatically parallel. For example: 'She not only sings but also dances' (both verbs) is correct, while 'She not only sings but also a dancer' is incorrect.
Gold Rule
Pairing Rule
Always use 'but also' with 'not only' for clarity and emphasis. Avoid standalone usage in formal contexts.
Parallelism Rule
Maintain grammatical parallelism in the elements connected by 'not only... but also'.
Word Origin
The phrase 'but also' combines the conjunction 'but' (from Old English 'butan', meaning 'outside') and the adverb 'also' (from Old English 'eallswa', meaning 'all so'). The structure 'not only... but also' emerged in Middle English to emphasize additional elements in a sentence.
Usage Notes
1. 'But also' is typically used in pairs with 'not only' for parallel structure. Avoid using it alone without 'not only' in formal contexts. 2. The phrase can be used in both written and spoken English. 3. In informal speech, 'but also' may be shortened to 'but too' or 'and too', though these are less common in writing.
Word Breakdown
but
a conjunction indicating contrast or addition
conjunctionalso
in addition; as well
adverbEnglish Dictionary