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Twistedthistle Posted 13 years ago
Grammar
correlative conjunctions
Hi everyone,
I'm having a bit of trouble with the not only...but also construction.
Most grammar guides i've consulted insist on parallelism in this structure; however, i just saw this usage in Swan: She not only plays the piano but also the violin.
This example is not parallel - the sentences would work out as 1) She plays the violin. 2) She the violin.
BUT. I can completely see how this sounds natural enough, to omit the common verb "play." Also in the sentence: Speed dating not only sounds like fun but also like a good way to meet people. It would seem almost tautological to repeat "sounds," even in the name of parallelism.
Can anyone, then, cite a source which covers this practice of omitting the common verb? Or is it actually considered ungrammatical to do so, despite being fairly common practice?
Thanks for you help,
TT
I'm having a bit of trouble with the not only...but also construction.
Most grammar guides i've consulted insist on parallelism in this structure; however, i just saw this usage in Swan: She not only plays the piano but also the violin.
This example is not parallel - the sentences would work out as 1) She plays the violin. 2) She the violin.
BUT. I can completely see how this sounds natural enough, to omit the common verb "play." Also in the sentence: Speed dating not only sounds like fun but also like a good way to meet people. It would seem almost tautological to repeat "sounds," even in the name of parallelism.
Can anyone, then, cite a source which covers this practice of omitting the common verb? Or is it actually considered ungrammatical to do so, despite being fairly common practice?
Thanks for you help,
TT
Top answer
twistedthistle Or is it actually considered ungrammatical Some might consider it so. I’d say it’s just poor style.
- twistedthistle Or is it actually considered ungrammatical Some might consider it so.
- I’d say it’s just poor style.
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4 Answers
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twistedthistleOr is it actually considered ungrammaticalSome might consider it so. I’d say it’s just poor style.
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thanks aspara gus. I guess you're right, it probably is more of a style issue. And thinking more about it i would probably agree with you that it's poor style.
Thanks for you answer
TT
Thanks for you answer
TT
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Actually, while i have you Aspara Gus, What would you make of this sentence?
She not only wrote the article herself, she also researched the entire thing.
Would you say that this was bad style also? and if so how would you correct it? Would it need to be completely rewritten to "Not only did she write the article herself, she also researched the entire thing." in order to get th
She not only wrote the article herself, she also researched the entire thing.
Would you say that this was bad style also? and if so how would you correct it? Would it need to be completely rewritten to "Not only did she write the article herself, she also researched the entire thing." in order to get th
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twistedthistle"She not only wrote the article herself, she also researched the entire thing." … "Not only did she write the article herself, she also researched the entire thing."I don’t like the first one, but the second is OK.
I’d write
She not only wrote the article herself but also did all her own research on the subject.
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