What is Inversion After 'Not Only...But Also'?
Inversion means changing the normal word order of a sentence. When we use 'not only...but also' at the beginning of a sentence, we often invert the subject and auxiliary verb to create emphasis and a more formal tone. This is a common technique in academic and professional English. The structure helps us highlight important information and make our writing more dramatic or impressive.
When Do We Use Inversion?
Inversion happens when 'not only' starts the sentence. We move the auxiliary verb (be, have, do, will, etc.) before the subject. This creates a more emphatic statement. Without inversion, the sentence is still correct but less formal. Inversion is optional—you can choose to use it for greater effect. It is especially common in formal writing, speeches, and when you want to emphasize a point strongly.
Important: The Second Part Doesn't Invert
Remember: only the first part (after 'not only') inverts. The second part after 'but also' follows normal word order. This creates a balanced, symmetrical structure. The 'but also' clause is there to add extra information and maintain the parallel structure of the sentence.
Inversion vs. No Inversion: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Mid-Sentence Position (No Inversion — Normal Word Order) |
Fronted Position (With Inversion — Formal / Emphatic) |
|
|---|---|---|
| Form |
Subject + verb + not only … but also + second element
Normal subject–verb order is kept throughout.
|
Not only + auxiliary/modal + subject + main verb … but (subject) also + second element
The auxiliary moves before the subject in the first clause (subject–auxiliary inversion).
|
| When to Use | Everyday speech and informal writing. Used when not only…but also connects two elements within a sentence without special emphasis. | Formal writing, speeches, academic or literary contexts. Used when the speaker/writer wants to add strong emphasis or dramatic effect by placing not only at the very beginning of the clause. |
| Positive Example |
She not only speaks French but also writes it fluently.
→ Subject she comes before both verbs; word order unchanged.
|
Not only does she speak French, but she also writes it fluently.
→ Auxiliary does moves before she in the first clause.
|
| Negative Example |
The policy not only failed to reduce costs but also did not improve efficiency.
→ Negation is placed naturally inside each clause; no inversion needed.
|
Not only did the policy fail to reduce costs, but it also did not improve efficiency.
→ Did inverts with the policy; the second clause keeps normal order.
|
| Question Example |
Did you know that the team not only won the tournament but also broke the record?
→ Inversion appears only in the main question; the not only…but also clause stays normal.
|
Did you know that not only did the team win the tournament, but they also broke the record?
→ The fronted not only clause uses its own inversion (did + subject) inside the reported context.
|
| Key Signal Words / Triggers |
not only…but also, not only…but…as well, not only…but…too
Position: mid-sentence, after the subject of the clause.
|
Not only (at the very start of a clause), but also / but … also
Position: sentence-initial or clause-initial. A comma usually separates the two clauses.
|
Key Difference: When not only sits in its natural mid-sentence position (after the subject), no inversion is required and the sentence follows standard word order. However, when not only is moved to the front of its clause for emphasis or formal effect, subject–auxiliary inversion is obligatory in that clause — an auxiliary verb (do/does/did, is/are/was/were, has/have/had, or a modal) must appear before the subject. This inversion mirrors the structure used in direct questions and applies only to the not only clause; the but also clause always keeps normal word order.
Formula
✔ Positive
Not only
+
auxiliary verb
+
subject
+
main verb
+
..., but also subject verb...
Not only does she speak English, but also she speaks French and Spanish.
Examples
Not only does the company produce quality goods, but also it provides excellent customer service.
Formal business context · Emphasis on two positive qualities
Not only will they attend the meeting, but also they will present their findings.
Future plans · Professional setting
Not only is the restaurant famous for its pizza, but also it is known for its warm atmosphere.
Describing a place · Two important features
Not only did she win the competition, but also she set a new record.
Past achievement · Double accomplishment
Not only have we reduced costs, but also we have improved efficiency.
Business results · Two positive outcomes
Not only can he play the guitar, but also he can compose music.
Musical abilities · Expanding skills
When to use it
Academic Writing
Use inversion to emphasize multiple important points in essays or research papers. It makes your argument sound more authoritative and well-structured.
"Not only does this theory explain the data, but also it predicts future outcomes."
Business Presentations
Inversion helps you highlight company achievements or project benefits with greater impact and formality.
"Not only will this strategy reduce expenses, but also it will increase market share."
Public Speaking
Use inversion to make your points more memorable and persuasive. It creates emphasis and captures attention.
"Not only have we faced challenges, but also we have found innovative solutions."
Formal Letters
Inversion adds formality and respect when writing to important people or organizations about serious matters.
"Not only are we grateful for your support, but also we value your guidance."
Signal words
not only
but also
does
did
has
have
is
are
will
can
emphasis
formal
Common Mistakes
✕
Wrong
Not only she speaks English, but also she speaks French.
✓
Correct
Not only does she speak English, but also she speaks French.
Missing auxiliary verb in inverted structure. Inversion requires the auxiliary before the subject.
✕
Wrong
Not only he works here, but also does he study medicine.
✓
Correct
Not only does he work here, but also does he study medicine.
Inconsistent verb forms. Both parts should use the same auxiliary for parallel structure.
✕
Wrong
Not only finished he the project, but also completed the report.
✓
Correct
Not only has he finished the project, but also has he completed the report.
Word order incorrect in inversion. The auxiliary must come before the subject, not after.
✕
Wrong
Not only is she intelligent, but also she is working hard.
✓
Correct
Not only is she intelligent, but also is she working hard.
The second part should also invert for maximum emphasis and parallel structure.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
What to Remember
- Use inversion when 'not only' starts a sentence to create emphasis and a more formal tone.
- Move the auxiliary verb before the subject after 'not only' at the beginning of sentences.
- You need an auxiliary verb (be, have, do, will) to invert; main verbs alone cannot invert.
- The structure is: Not only + auxiliary verb + subject + main verb + rest of sentence.
- Inversion after 'not only' is common in academic and professional writing for dramatic effect.