Conjunction 不仅...而且

This grammar point is a pair of connectors. They work together like a bridge. The first part, 不仅, introduces the first piece of information. The second part, 而且, introduces the second, often more important, piece of information. It is important to remember that these two parts should be related. You wouldn't say "He is not only tall but also likes cheese" unless those two things were somehow connected in your mind. Usually, both parts are either positive or both are negative. If you start with a compliment, end with a compliment. If you start with a complaint, keep that energy going! It is like a grammar traffic light; once you start with 不仅, you have a green light to add more detail with 而且. It tells your listener, "Wait, there is more!"

1. 1There are two main ways to build this sentence. It all depends on how many subjects you have.
2. 2One Subject (The Subject Sandwich): If you are talking about one person or thing, the subject goes before 不仅.
3. 3Pattern: Subject + 不仅 + A + 而且 + B
4. 4Example: 他不仅高，而且很帅。 (He is not only tall, but also very handsome.)
5. 5Two Subjects (The Subject Split): If you are talking about two different people or things doing the same thing, 不仅 goes before the first subject.
6. 6Pattern: 不仅 + Subject 1 + ... + 而且 + Subject 2 + ...
7. 7Example: 不仅我喜欢，而且他也喜欢。 (Not only do I like it, but he likes it too.)
8. 8Think of the subject like a cat. If there is only one cat, it sits comfortably at the front. If there are two cats, they need to be separated by the grammar words to keep the peace. Yes, even native speakers mess this up sometimes, so don't sweat it too much at first!

Use this when you want to emphasize that something has multiple qualities.

• Ordering Food: "This dish is not only delicious but also very cheap!" This is a great way to recommend a restaurant to a friend.
• Job Interviews: "I not only speak English but also speak Chinese." This makes you sound much more impressive than just listing skills.
• Asking Directions: "This place is not only far but also hard to find." It adds a layer of warning to your description.
• Describing People: "She is not only my teacher but also my friend." It shows a deeper relationship.

Don't use this for totally unrelated facts. If you say, "I not only have a sister but also the sun is hot," people will look at you very strangely. The two parts must belong to the same "category" of thought. Also, avoid using it when the second part is actually less important than the first. The 而且 part should feel like an upgrade or a logical addition. Finally, don't use it for simple lists of three or more things. For a long list, other structures are better. This is for a strong "one-two punch."

• The Subject Swap: This is the most common error. Putting the subject in the wrong place when you have two different subjects. Remember: Two subjects? 不仅 comes first. One subject? Subject comes first.
• Mixing Vibes: Using a positive trait for 不仅 and a negative one for 而且.
• ✗ 他不仅聪明，而且很懒。 (He is not only smart but also lazy.)
• This sounds weird in Chinese. Use 但是 (but) for contrasts instead.
• Forgetting the Second Half: Some people say 不仅 and then forget to say 而且. It leaves the listener hanging! It's like saying "Not only am I hungry..." and then walking away. Finish your thought!

• 不仅...而且 vs. 又...又: 又...又 is for two things happening at the exact same time or two equal traits (like "both sweet and sour"). 不仅...而且 feels more like you are adding an extra point to an argument.
• 不仅...而且 vs. 不但...而且: Good news! These are almost identical. 不但 (bùdàn) is slightly more common in textbooks, while 不仅 is very common in both speech and writing. You can use them interchangeably in most cases.
• 不仅...而且 vs. 和: 和 is just a simple "and." It doesn't add any emphasis. 不仅...而且 adds drama and flavor.