Not Only … But Also: Let’s Keep Them Together

Correlative conjunctions come in pairs, and not only…but also is one of the most misused sets in English. When it works, it adds rhythm. When it doesn’t, the sentence feels slightly off in a way readers can’t quite explain. The fix? Keep the structure parallel and let the pair do its job.

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Same Idea, Different Execution

Writers use not only…but also to build momentum. The first element sets an expectation, and the second delivers the payoff. Together, they highlight contrast or surprise. But here’s the catch: both sides of the conjunction need to align grammatically. When the balance breaks, the sentence stumbles. Most issues with not only…but also come down to one thing: loss of parallelism.

Let’s have a closer look with these examples:

✔️ She not only writes fiction but also edits academic manuscripts.

✖️ She not only writes fiction but also editing academic manuscripts.

Same idea but very different execution. In both sentences, the writer is trying to emphasize two skills. However, only the first example maintains true parallelism. That’s why parallelism matters. Not only…but also doesn’t just combine great and meaningful ideas, but it expects them to match.

When Not to Add Comma

If not only…but also connects a compound predicate or a pair of parallel phrases, commas are usually unnecessary.

See these examples:

We not only camped in the woods but canoed down the river overnight.

In my opinion, works of art are created not by inspiration but by persistence.

Being almost perfectly ambidextrous, she wore not one watch but two.

In these cases, the conjunctions are doing the joining, so punctuation can step back.

When to Add Comma

If not only…but also joins two independent clauses, a comma typically appears before the second clause. In The Chicago Manual of Style, the correlative conjunction not only…but also should be paired because it functions as a correlative conjunction, meaning its power comes from working as a matched set, not as separate parts.

Here is an example:

Not only did we camp in the woods, but we also canoed down the river.

Here, each half could stand on its own, so the comma helps signal that shift.

In more casual or less formal writing, the second conjunction is sometimes dropped:

Not only did we camp in the woods, we also canoed down the river.

Technically borderline, stylistically acceptable in relaxed contexts but best avoided in formal prose.

Use Them Wisely

During revisions, isolate your not only…but also sentences and read them aloud. If one side feels heavier, longer, or grammatically different, that’s your cue to rebalance. Now it doesn’t sound so confusing, right? This construction won’t just clean up your sentences, but it’ll make your writing sound intentional and confident.

If you’ve finished your manuscript and want to be sure constructions like not only…but also are working for your writing (not against it), we’re here to help. Send your manuscript to themanuscripteditor.com for a complimentary 800-word sample edit now.