不但 / 不仅 … ，而且 / 还 / 也 … (not only … but also)
IntroducedAdd another fact without making it stronger
- A person speaks Chinese and also English.
- he他not only不但can会Chinese中文，also还can会English英文。 — The second ability is added to the first.
A person speaks Chinese and also English. What does 他不但会中文，还会英文。 communicate?
The second ability is added to the first. The added point need not be stronger or more positive. 而且, 还 and 也 require suitable word order and are not freely swapped in every sentence position.
Build the form
- The pattern in this lesson is not only不但 / not just不仅 … ，moreover而且 / also还 / also也 … (not only … but also). Locate it in the original interlinear examples below.
- Keep the words in their demonstrated positions; the pattern must fit the intended situation as well as the sentence form.
he他not only不但can会Chinese中文，also还can会English英文。
Using the lesson pattern in this demonstrated example: Not only smart, but also hard-working: 他 ____ 聪明，而且很努力。
不但 … ，而且 … = not only …, but also …: 不但聪明,而且努力.
Read examples in context
- In the opening example, he他not only不但can会Chinese中文，also还can会English英文。: The second ability is added to the first.
- Explain who acts, what is described and which time or group is relevant before choosing an English paraphrase.
Which words can fill the second slot?
不但 ≈ 不仅; second slot: 而且 ≈ 还 ≈ 也.
Know the boundary
- The added point need not be stronger or more positive.
- moreover而且, also还 and also也 require suitable word order and are not freely swapped in every sentence position.
The second clause adds something further (often stronger).
Yes — it builds in the same direction, adding more.
In the opening situation: The second ability is added to the first.
The added point need not be stronger or more positive. 而且, 还 and 也 require suitable word order and are not freely swapped in every sentence position. The second ability is added to the first.
Use the distinction
- The second ability is added to the first.
- The added point need not be stronger or more positive. moreover而且, also还 and also也 require suitable word order and are not freely swapped in every sentence position.
Read the full reference: HSK 4 grammar — "Not only... but also...".
A person speaks Chinese and also English. Close the examples. Say a Mandarin response, then write it in Chinese. Explain briefly in English what the lesson’s pattern adds. Compare with the model, then change one detail and try again.
This is supported productive practice. Compare meaning and structure; your answer need not copy the model. A partner or teacher must hear the spoken response to comment on pronunciation.