not only

not only

1. used with 'but' or 'but also'

You use not only to link two words or phrases that refer to things, actions, or situations. You put not only in front of the first word or group, and but or but also in front of the second one. The second thing is usually more surprising, interesting, or important than the first one.

The government radio not only reported the demonstration, but announced it in advance.We asked not only what the children had learnt but also how they had learnt it.2. used with a pronoun

When you are linking phrases that begin with a verb, you can omit 'but' or 'but also' and use a personal pronoun instead. For example, instead of saying 'Margaret not only came to the party but brought her aunt as well', you can say 'Margaret not only came to the party, she brought her aunt as well'.

Her interest in this work not only continued, it increased.3. putting 'not only' first

For emphasis, you can put not only first, followed by an auxiliary verb or be, then the subject, then the main verb.

Not only did they send home large amounts, but they also saved money.Not only do they rarely go on school trips, they rarely, if ever, leave Brooklyn.

Not only must come first when you are linking two clauses which have different subjects.

Not only were the local people old, but the women still dressed in long black dresses.Not only were many of the roads closed, many bridges had also been blown up.