Learn how to express “not only… but also…” in Chinese using the parallel structure 不但…也…
1 Basic Structure: 不但…也…
The structure “不但…也…” (búdàn…yě…) is used to express “not only… but also…” in Chinese. It connects two parallel verb phrases that share the same subject, emphasizing that both statements are true.
English Equivalent
“Not only… but also…”
Structure: Subject + not only + Verb Phrase 1 + but also + Verb Phrase 2
His Mandarin is not only standard, but also very fluent.
I like not only swimming, but also football.
Watching TV not only wastes your time, but also does harm to your eyes.
Chinese Structure
“不但…也…” (búdàn…yě…)
Structure: Subject + 不但 + VP1 + 也 + VP2
他的普通话不但标准，也非常流利。
His Mandarin is not only standard, but also very fluent.
Parallel Structure Visualization
Complete Sentence: 他的普通话不但标准，也非常流利。
(His Mandarin is not only standard, but also very fluent.)
Key Grammar Point: Parallel Structure
The structure “不但…也…” requires that both verb phrases (VP1 and VP2) are parallel in structure and meaning. They should be logically related and grammatically similar.
2 Detailed Structure Analysis
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3 Common Usage Patterns and Examples
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Practice Exercises
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