Not Only...But Also Exercises
B2-C1 Level
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Practise using not only ... but also with the correct inversion and parallel structure.
Review the grammar firstAll 20 questions
Rewrite the sentence starting with 'Not only'. Your answer should begin after the prompt and include the full inverted structure with 'but also'. Not only
She sings beautifully. She also plays the piano. (Not only...)
He won the competition. He also broke the record. (Not only...)
The hotel is expensive. It is also far from the city centre. (Not only...)
They completed the project on time. They also stayed under budget. (Not only...)
She speaks French. She also speaks Spanish. (Not only...)
He has talent. He also has determination. (Not only...)
The food was delicious. It was also beautifully presented. (Not only...)
He apologised. He also promised to change. (Not only...)
They work hard. They also play hard. (Not only...)
She has finished her homework. She has also cleaned her room. (Not only...)
He can play guitar. He can also play drums. (Not only...)
The film was entertaining. It was also thought-provoking. (Not only...)
She helped me with the project. She also gave me great advice. (Not only...)
He writes well. He also edits brilliantly. (Not only...)
They had studied hard. They had also prepared well. (Not only...)
She is intelligent. She is also kind. (Not only...)
He saved money. He also invested wisely. (Not only...)
They will attend the meeting. They will also present their findings. (Not only...)
The service was excellent. It was also affordable. (Not only...)
She teaches well. She also inspires her students. (Not only...)
Next Step: Error Correction
Finished the transformation practice? Switch to sentence proofreading and fix the wrong chunk when needed, or leave the sentence alone if it is already correct.
Grammar review
The second clause after but normally keeps standard subject-verb order: "but she also plays", not "but also does she play". This is where many learners over-invert. The structure can work with be ("Not only was the service excellent..."), perfect forms ("Not only has she finished..."), and modal verbs ("Not only can he play..."). It is useful in formal writing because it presents two strong points together. In transformations, check the original tense first, choose the correct helper, and keep the second clause natural.
Quick Rule
Not only + do/does/did / be / have/has/had / modal + subject + verb or complement, but + subject + also + main verb OR subject + be/have/modal + also + verb or complement
- 1.Not only does she sing beautifully, but she also plays the piano.
- 2.Not only did he win the competition, but he also broke the record.
- 3.Not only was the hotel expensive, but it was also far from the city centre.
- 4.Not only has the team finished early, but it has also improved the design.
- 5.Not only is the flat not spacious, but it is also difficult to heat.
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