Not Only, But Also

Not only precise, but also accurate

A common source of reader confusion is the sloppy not only . . . but also construction. In brief, whatever immediately follows the but also is added to the not only. More importantly, what is said about the not only is also said about the but also.

Allow me to illustrate. In the sentence:

The quarterback not only played for the Patriots, but also for the Renegades.

the author wants to communicate that the quarterback played for two teams, not one. Unfortunately, the sequence not only played gives the impression that he played and also did something else for the Patriots. The clear way to say that he played for two teams is:

The quarterback played not only for the Patriots, but also for the Renegades.


In-Class Task

Copy and paste the sentences into a Reply below this post. If necessary, move the not only phrases in the sentences. Otherwise, leave them where they are.

  1. Leonardo painted not only the Mona Lisa, but also the Annunciation.
  2. Leonardo not only painted the Mona Lisa, he also protected it with several coats of varnish.
  3. Not only Leonardo produced the Mona Lisa; several of his students painted the backgrounds.
  4. Leonardo painted the Mona Lisa not only for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.
  5. Leonardo not only painted the Mona Lisa for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.

35 Responses to Not Only, But Also

  1. Valcom says:

    Leonardo painted not only the Mona Lisa, but also the Annunciation.
    Leonardo not only painted the Mona Lisa, he also protected it with several coats of varnish.
    Not only Leonardo produced the Mona Lisa; but also several of his students painted the backgrounds.
    Leonardo painted the Mona Lisa not only for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.
    Leonardo not only painted the Mona Lisa for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.

    Like

  2. Leonardo painted not only the Mona Lisa, but also the Annunciation.
    Leonardo not only painted the Mona Lisa, he also protected it with several coats of varnish.
    Not only Leonardo produced the Mona Lisa; several of his students painted the backgrounds.
    Leonardo painted the Mona Lisa not only for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.
    Leonardo painted the Mona Lisa not only for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.

    Like

  3. 1. Leonardo not only painted the Mona Lisa, but also the Annunciation.
    2. Leonardo not only painted the Mona Lisa, he also protected it with several coats of varnish.
    3. Not only Leonardo produced the Mona Lisa; several of his students painted the backgrounds.
    4. Leonardo painted the Mona Lisa not only for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.
    5. Leonardo painted the Mona Lisa not only for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.

    Like

  4. voxpopuli75 says:

    1. Leonardo not only painted the Mona Lisa, but also the Annunciation.
    2. Leonardo not only painted the Mona Lisa, he also protected it with several coats of varnish.
    3. Not only Leonardo produced the Mona Lisa; several of his students painted the backgrounds.
    4. Leonardo painted the Mona Lisa not only for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.
    5. Leonardo not only painted the Mona Lisa for not only his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.

    Like

  5. Leonardo not only painted the Mona Lisa, but also the Annunciation.
    Leonardo not only painted the Mona Lisa, he also protected it with several coats of varnish.
    Not only Leonardo produced the Mona Lisa; several of his students painted the backgrounds.
    Leonardo painted the Mona Lisa not only for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.
    Leonardo not only painted the Mona Lisa for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.

    Like

  6. yankeefan25 says:

    1. Leonardo painted not only the Mona Lisa, but also the Annunciation.
    2. Leonardo not only painted the Mona Lisa, he also protected it with several coats of varnish.
    3. Not only Leonardo produced the Mona Lisa; several of his students painted the backgrounds.
    4. Leonardo painted the Mona Lisa not only for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.
    5. Leonardo painted the Mona Lisa not only for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.

    Like

  7. bmdpiano says:

    1. Leonardo painted not only the Mona Lisa, but also the Annunciation.
    2. Not only did Leonardo paint the Mona Lisa, but he also protected it with several coats of varnish.
    3. Not only Leonardo produced the Mona Lisa; several of his students painted the backgrounds.
    4. Leonardo painted the Mona Lisa not only for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.
    5. Leonardo not only painted the Mona Lisa for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.

    Like

  8. ahntkd99 says:

    1. Leonardo painted not only the Mona Lisa, but also the Annunciation.
    2. Leonardo not only painted the Mona Lisa, he also protected it with several coats of varnish.
    3. Not only Leonardo produced the Mona Lisa; several of his students painted the backgrounds.
    4. Leonardo painted the Mona Lisa not only for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.
    5. Leonardo painted the Mona Lisa not only for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.

    Like

  9. tenere84 says:

    Leonardo painted not only the Mona Lisa, but also the Annunciation.
    Leonardo not only painted the Mona Lisa, but also protected it with several coats of varnish.
    Not only Leonardo produced the Mona Lisa; several of his students painted the backgrounds.
    Leonardo painted the Mona Lisa not only for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.
    Leonardo painted the Mona Lisa not only for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.

    Like

  10. ajuuy7 says:

    Leonardo painted not only the Mona Lisa, but also the Annunciation.
    Leonardo not only painted the Mona Lisa, he also protected it with several coats of varnish.
    Not only Leonardo produced the Mona Lisa; several of his students painted the backgrounds.
    Leonardo not only painted the Mona Lisa for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.
    Leonardo not only painted the Mona Lisa for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.

    Like

  11. lucbe219 says:

    1. Leonardo painted not only the Mona Lisa, but also the Annunciation.
    2. Leonardo not only painted the Mona Lisa, but he also protected it with several coats of varnish.
    3. Not only did Leonardo produced the Mona Lisa, but several of his students painted the backgrounds.
    4. Leonardo painted the Mona Lisa not only for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.
    5. Leonardo not only painted the Mona Lisa for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.

    Like

  12. Leonardo painted not only the Mona Lisa, but also the Annunciation.
    Leonardo did not only paint the Mona Lisa, he also protected it with several coats of varnish.
    Not only Leonardo produced the Mona Lisa; several of his students painted the backgrounds.
    Leonardo painted the Mona Lisa not only for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.
    Leonardo painted the Mona Lisa not only for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.

    Like

  13. Jayv23 says:

    1.Leonardo painted not only the Mona Lisa, but also the Annunciation.
    2.Leonardo not only painted the Mona Lisa, he also protected it with several coats of varnish.
    3.Not only Leonardo produced the Mona Lisa; several of his students painted the backgrounds.
    4.Leonardo painted the Mona Lisa not only for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.
    5.Leonardo not only painted the Mona Lisa not only for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.

    Like

  14. roses0102 says:

    Leonardo painted not only the Mona Lisa, but also the Annunciation.
    Leonardo not only painted the Mona Lisa, he also protected it with several coats of varnish.
    Not only Leonardo produced the Mona Lisa; several of his students painted the backgrounds.
    Leonardo NOT ONLY painted the Mona Lisa for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.
    Leonardo not only painted the Mona Lisa for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.

    Like

  15. lg102015 says:

    1. Leonardo painted not only the Mona Lisa, but also the Annunciation.
    2. Leonardo not only painted the Mona Lisa, he also protected it with several coats of varnish.
    3. Not only Leonardo produced the Mona Lisa; but also several of his students painted the backgrounds.
    4. Leonardo not only painted the Mona Lisa for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.
    5. Leonardo not only painted the Mona Lisa for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.

    Like

  16. mpsj13 says:

    Leonardo painted not only the Mona Lisa, but also the Annunciation.
    Leonardo not only painted the Mona Lisa, he also protected it with several coats of varnish.
    Not only Leonardo produced the Mona Lisa; several of his students painted the backgrounds.
    Leonardo painted the Mona Lisa not only for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.
    Leonardo painted the Mona Lisa not only for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.

    Like

  17. kraemercali says:

    1.Leonardo painted not only the Mona Lisa, but also the Annunciation.
    2.Leonardo not only painted the Mona Lisa, but he also protected it with several coats of varnish.
    3.Not only Leonardo produced the Mona Lisa; several of his students painted the backgrounds.
    4.Leonardo painted the Mona Lisa not only for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.
    5.Leonardo painted the Mona Lisa not only for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.

    Like

  18. 4. Leonardo painted the Mona Lisa not only for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.
    5. Leonardo painted the Mona Lisa not only for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.

    Like

  19. Leonardo painted not only the Mona Lisa, but also the Annunciation.
    Leonardo not only painted the Mona Lisa, he also protected it with several coats of varnish.
    Not only Leonardo produced the Mona Lisa; several of his students painted the backgrounds.
    Leonardo painted the Mona Lisa not only for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.
    Leonardo painted the Mona Lisa not only for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.

    Like

  20. influenza123 says:

    Leonardo painted not only the Mona Lisa, but also the Annunciation.
    Leonardo not only painted the Mona Lisa, but he also protected it with several coats of varnish.
    Not only Leonardo produced the Mona Lisa; several of his students painted the backgrounds.
    Leonardo painted the Mona Lisa not only for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.
    Leonardo painted the Mona Lisa not only for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.

    Like

  21. morra2024 says:

    Leonardo painted not only the Mona Lisa, but also the Annunciation.
    Leonardo not only painted the Mona Lisa, he also protected it with several coats of varnish.
    Not only Leonardo produced the Mona Lisa; several of his students painted the backgrounds.
    Leonardo painted the Mona Lisa not only for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.
    Leonardo not only painted the Mona Lisa for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission. – incorrect, previous version would be more understandable

    Like

  22. bestbaker123 says:

    1. Leonardo painted not only the Mona Lisa, but also the Annunciation. FINE
    2. Leonardo not only painted the Mona Lisa, he also protected it with several coats of varnish. FINE
    3. Not only Leonardo produced the Mona Lisa; but also several of his students painted the backgrounds.
    4. Leonardo painted the Mona Lisa not only for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission. FINE
    5. Leonardo painted the Mona Lisa not only for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.

    Like

  23. Leonardo painted not only the Mona Lisa, but also the Annunciation.
    Leonardo not only painted the Mona Lisa, he also protected it with several coats of varnish.
    Leonardo produced not only the Mona Lisa; several of his students painted the backgrounds.
    Leonardo painted the Mona Lisa not only for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.
    Leonardo painted the Mona Lisa not only for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.

    Like

  24. iamsleepy01 says:

    1. Leonardo not only painted the Mona Lisa, but also the Annunciation.
    2. Leonardo not only painted the Mona Lisa, he also protected it with several coats of varnish.
    3. Not only did Leonardo produced the Mona Lisa; several of his students painted the background.
    4. Leonardo painted the Mona Lisa not only for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.
    5. Leonardo painted the Mona Lisa not only for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.

    Like

  25. smellycat23 says:

    Leonardo painted not only the Mona Lisa, but also the Annunciation.
    Leonardo not only painted the Mona Lisa, he also protected it with several coats of varnish.
    Not only Leonardo produced the Mona Lisa; several of his students painted the backgrounds.
    Leonardo painted the Mona Lisa not only for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.
    Leonardo not only painted the Mona Lisa for his enjoyment, but also sold the Mona Lisa to earn a commission.

    Like

  26. athenapup4 says:

    Leonardo painted not only the Mona Lisa, but also the Annunciation.
    Leonardo not only painted the Mona Lisa, he also protected it with several coats of varnish
    Not only Leonardo produced the Mona Lisa; several of his students painted the backgrounds.
    Leonardo painted the Mona Lisa not only for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.
    Leonardo painted not only the Mona Lisa for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.

    Like

  27. comp0327 says:

    Leonardo not only painted the Mona Lisa, but also the Annunciation.

    Leonardo not only painted the Mona Lisa, he also protected it with several coats of varnish.

    Not only Leonardo produced the Mona Lisa; several of his students painted the backgrounds.

    Leonardo painted the Mona Lisa not only for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.

    Leonardo painted not only the Mona Lisa for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.

    Like

  28. doglover441 says:

    1. Leonardo painted not only the Mona Lisa, but also the Annunciation.
    No change
    2. Leonardo not only painted the Mona Lisa, he also protected it with several coats of varnish.
    Leonardo painted not only the Mona Lisa, he also protected it with several coats of varnish.
    3. Not only Leonardo produced the Mona Lisa; several of his students painted the backgrounds.
    Leonardo not only produced the Mona Lisa; several of his students painted the backgrounds.
    4. Leonardo painted the Mona Lisa not only for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.
    No change
    5. Leonardo not only painted the Mona Lisa for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.
    Leonardo painted not only the Mona Lisa for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.

    Like

  29. compclass8 says:

    1. Leonardo painted not only the Mona Lisa, but also the Annunciation.
    2. Leonardo painted not only the Mona Lisa, he also protected it with several coats of varnish.
    3. Leonardo produced not only the Mona Lisa; several of his students painted the backgrounds.
    4. Leonardo painted the Mona Lisa not only for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.
    5. Leonardo painted not only the Mona Lisa for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.

    Like

  30. 1. Leonardo painted not only the Mona Lisa, but also the Annunciation.
    2. Leonardo not only painted the Mona Lisa, he also protected it with several coats of varnish.
    3. Not only Leonardo produced the Mona Lisa; several of his students painted the backgrounds.
    4. Leonardo painted the Mona Lisa not only for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.
    5. Leonardo painted the Mona Lisa not only for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.

    Like

  31. hershey515 says:

    Leonardo painted not only the Mona Lisa, but also the Annunciation.
    Leonardo painted not only the Mona Lisa, he also protected it with several coats of varnish.
    Leonardo not only produced the Mona Lisa; several of his students painted the backgrounds.
    Leonardo painted the Mona Lisa not only for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.
    Leonardo not only painted the Mona Lisa for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.

    Like

  32. lovericeandnoodles says:

    Leonardo not only painted the Mona Lisa, but also the Annunciation.
    Leonardo not only painted the Mona Lisa, he also protected it with several coats of varnish.
    Not only did Leonardo produce the Mona Lisa; several of his students painted the backgrounds.
    Leonardo painted the Mona Lisa not only for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.
    Leonardo painted the Mona Lisa not only for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.

    Like

  33. lazybear8 says:

    Leonardo painted not only the Mona Lisa, but also the Annunciation.
    Leonardo not only painted the Mona Lisa, he also protected it with several coats of varnish.
    Not only Leonardo produced the Mona Lisa; several of his students painted the backgrounds.
    Leonardo painted the Mona Lisa not only for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.
    Leonardo painted the Mona Lisa not only for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.

    Like

  34. lelebxby says:

    Leonardo painted not only the Mona Lisa, but also the Annunciation.
    Leonardo not only painted the Mona Lisa, he also protected it with several coats of varnish.
    Not only Leonardo produced the Mona Lisa; several of his students painted the backgrounds.
    Leonardo not only painted the Mona Lisa for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.
    Leonardo not only painted the Mona Lisa for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.

    Like

    • jackso23 says:

      1. Leonardo painted not only the Mona Lisa, but also the Annunciation.
      2. Leonardo not only painted the Mona Lisa, he also protected it with several coats of varnish.
      3.Not only Leonardo produced the Mona Lisa; several of his students painted the backgrounds.
      4. Leonardo not only painted the Mona Lisa for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.
      5. Leonardo not only painted the Mona Lisa for his enjoyment, but also to earn a commission.

      Like

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