The structure "not only…… but (also)……" is often used to connect two equivalent elements in a sentence, with "also" being optional. When it connects two subjects, the verb agrees with the number of the noun or pronoun that follows "but (also)", following the principle of proximity. When "not only" is at the beginning of a sentence connecting two clauses, the clause preceding it is often inverted for emphasis, while the clause following "but (also)" remains in the declarative order.

Example Sentences using "not only…… but (also)……"

1. He is learning not only English but (also) French.

He is not only studying English but also French.

2. She speaks Russian not only in class but (also) at home.

She speaks Russian not just in class but also at home.

3. Not only Zhou Xia but also her parents are fond of watching football matches.

Both Zhou Xia and her parents enjoy watching football matches.

4. Not only you but also he is tired of having one examination after another.

Not just you, but he too is weary of consecutive examinations.

5. Not only is the teacher himself interested in foreign films, but also all his students are beginning to show an interest in them.

The teacher himself is interested in foreign films, and so are all his students starting to show interest in them.

6. Not only does Miss Li like music, but (also) she likes sports.

Miss Li not only enjoys music but also sports.

7. I not only heard it, but also saw it.

I not only heard it but also witnessed it.

8. Shakespeare was not only a writer, but (also) an actor.

Shakespeare was not just a writer but also an actor.

9. It is not only a wall, but it is also a tourist resort.

It is not merely a wall but also a tourist attraction.

10. He often helps me not only in my study but also in my life.

He often assists me not only with my studies but also in my daily life.