Complex Sentence PatternsHSK 4
Expressing "not only... but also" with 不但... 而且...
Use 不但... 而且... to link two qualities or actions about the same subject, meaning 'not only... but also...'. The same subject applies to both parts. In less formal contexts, you can replace 而且 with 也 or 还.
Structure
Subj. + 不但 ⋯⋯ ，而且 ⋯⋯
The same subject applies to both parts.
Subj. + 不但 ⋯⋯ ，也 / 还 ⋯⋯
也 or 还 can replace 而且 for a less formal tone.
Examples
- 这个东西不但贵，而且难买。Zhè ge dōng xī bú dàn guì, ér qiě nán mǎi.This thing is not only expensive, but also hard to buy.
- 这道菜不但好看，也好吃。Zhè dào cài bú dàn hǎo kàn, yě hǎo chī.This dish is not only attractive, but also delicious.
- 她不但聪明，而且很幽默。Tā bú dàn cōng ming, ér qiě hěn yōu mò.She is not only smart, but also very humorous.
- 她不但离开了我，还拿走了我所有的钱。Tā bú dàn lí kāi le wǒ, hái ná zǒu le wǒ suǒ yǒu de qián.Not only did she leave me, but she also took all my money.
- 他不但提前做完了，而且做得很好。Tā bú dàn tí qián zuò wán le, ér qiě zuò dé hěn hǎo.Not only did he finish it in advance, but he did it very well.