Conjunction 不但...而且

This pattern connects two clauses that follow a logical progression. Usually, the second part adds even more info than the first. It’s like adding extra toppings to your pizza. The first part 不但 (bùdàn) introduces the first fact. The second part 而且 (érqiě) introduces the 'bonus' fact. You can use it with adjectives, verbs, or entire phrases. The most important thing is the relationship between the two parts. They should both be positive or both be negative. Don't mix 'he is nice' with 'he is smelly' here! It keeps the 'vibe' of your sentence consistent. It's like a grammar social contract. If you start with a compliment, you must end with one.

1. 1Using this rule is simpler than it looks. There are two main ways to build your sentence.
2. 2Use one subject for both parts.
3. 3Place the subject first. Put 不但 right after it. Then add the first quality. Finish with 而且 and the second quality.
4. 4Pattern: Subject + 不但 + A + 而且 + B.
5. 5Use two different subjects.
6. 6Put 不但 at the very beginning of the sentence. Follow it with the first subject and its action. Then use 而且 with the second subject and its action.
7. 7Pattern: 不但 + Subject 1 + A + 而且 + Subject 2 + B.

Use this when you want to emphasize a point. It’s great for job interviews to list your skills. 'I speak English and Chinese' is okay. 'I speak not only English but also Chinese' sounds much better! Use it when ordering food at a restaurant. 'This dish is not only cheap but also tasty.' Use it when describing people or places. It makes you sound like you have a lot to say. It shows you can think in complex layers. Use it whenever you want to highlight a 'bonus' feature. Like a smartphone that is not only fast but also cheap. Yes, those actually exist in your dreams!

Avoid using this for totally unrelated facts. 'I am tall and I like bread' is a weird sentence. The two points must share a logical theme. Don't use it to contrast a good thing with a bad thing. For that, you need 虽然...但是 (although... but). Don't use it if the second part is less important. The 'bonus' part should feel like an upgrade. Also, don't use it if you are in a huge rush. A simple 和 (and) is faster for quick lists. Use this pattern when you want to be expressive. If you're just listing groceries, skip the drama.

The biggest mistake is the 'Subject Shuffle.' If you have one subject, don't put it after 不但.

Incorrect: 不但 我喜欢苹果，而且 喜欢西瓜。

Correct: 我 不但 喜欢苹果，而且 喜欢西瓜。

If the subjects are different, 不但 must come first.

Another mistake is mixing 'positive' and 'negative' feelings.

Incorrect: 他 不但 很帅，而且 没钱。

This sounds confusing to a native speaker's ears. Keep the energy consistent across both parts. It's like a grammar traffic light; stay in one lane! Also, don't forget the 而且. Leaving it out makes the sentence feel unfinished. It's like a shoe without laces.

You might know 也 (also) or 还 (also/still). These are simpler and less formal. 不但...而且 is the 'upgraded' version of these words. It adds a layer of emphasis that 也 lacks. Compared to 虽然...但是 (although... but), this pattern is for adding, not contrasting. 虽然...但是 is for conflict; 不但...而且 is for cooperation. Think of 而且 as a teammate and 但是 as an opponent. There is also 不但...也. This is a slightly more casual version of our main rule. You can swap 而且 for 也 if you want to sound relaxed. But for your exams, stick to the full pair!