Making a Bad Situation Even Worse

This pattern connects two related ideas. Usually, the second idea is even more intense than the first. If the first thing is bad, the second thing is usually worse. It’s like a staircase of misery. You start on the first step with one problem. Then you jump to the second step with a bigger problem. In English, we might just say "and." In Chinese, using 不但 and 代码 makes the connection much stronger. It tells the listener, "Wait, there is more!" It keeps them engaged in your story. Even at the A1 level, this is a super-power. It moves you away from short, robotic sentences. Instead of saying "The food is cold. The food is expensive," you combine them. It sounds smoother and more sophisticated. Plus, it’s a great way to get sympathy from your friends!

1. 1Building this sentence is like playing with Lego blocks. You just need to put them in the right order.
2. 2Start with your Subject (the person or thing you are talking about).
3. 3Add 不但 (bùdàn) right after the subject.
4. 4Add your First Problem (usually an adjective or a short phrase).
5. 5Put a comma to catch your breath.
6. 6Add 而且 (érqiě) to start the second part.
7. 7Finish with your Second Problem (the "even worse" part).
8. 8If the subject is the same for both parts, it goes at the very beginning. For example: 他不但很累，而且很饿。 (He is not only tired, but also hungry). If you have two different subjects, 不但 actually moves to the very front of the sentence. But for now, let's stick to one subject to keep things simple. It’s like a grammar traffic light—green means go with the first bad thing, yellow means transition with 而且, and red means stop after the second bad thing.

Use this whenever you want to emphasize a point. It’s perfect for real-world scenarios. Imagine you are ordering food and the waiter is rude. Then the food arrives and it's salty. You would say, "This place is not only expensive, but the service is bad." Or imagine you are asking directions and your phone dies. Then it starts to snow. That is a classic 不但...而且... moment. It is also great for job interviews (though maybe use it for positive things there!). If you want to say you are not only hardworking but also experienced, this is the pattern. Basically, use it whenever one fact isn't enough to describe the situation. It’s for those "it gets worse" or "it gets better" moments in life.

Don't use this for two completely unrelated things. If you say "He is not only tall, but also likes apples," people will look at you funny. The two points need to be in the same "vibe." If the first part is negative, the second part should be negative. If you mix a bad thing with a good thing, the sentence feels broken. For example, "The car is not only broken, but also very pretty" sounds weird in this structure. Also, avoid using it for very simple lists. If you just bought milk and eggs, just use 和 (hé). Save 不但...而且... for when you want to add some drama or emphasis. It’s a tool for storytelling, not just a grocery list.

Yes, even native speakers mess this up sometimes! The biggest mistake is the Subject Position. Remember, if you are talking about one person, put them first. Don't say 不但他... if you only have one subject. Another mistake is forgetting the 而且. Some people just use 不但 and then stop. That’s like saying "Not only am I late..." and then walking away. You leave people hanging! Also, watch out for "Double Negatives." You don't need to add extra words like "also" (也) if you already have 而且, though sometimes they can hang out together. Keep it lean. Think of it like a grammar diet—don't add extra words you don't need.

You might know the word 也 (yě), which means "also." So, what's the difference? 也 is very simple. "I like tea, he also likes tea." It’s flat. 不但...而且... is like 也 on steroids. It has more energy. It shows a progression. Another similar one is 还 (hái), which means "still" or "also." 还 is more informal and used in quick speech. 不但...而且... is the "official" way to build a strong argument. If 也 is a bicycle, 不但...而且... is a sports car. Both get you there, but one has a lot more power and style.