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Kat phase Posted 14 years ago
Grammar
not only....but also
I have a question! Can we use a negative verb in a "not only...but also" structure?
e.g. Not only don't they work hard, but they also don't attend the classes.
Is this sentence grammatically correct?
e.g. Not only don't they work hard, but they also don't attend the classes.
Is this sentence grammatically correct?
Top answer
I would change it to positive: Not only do they slack off work, they also ditch class.
- I would change it to positive: Not only do they slack off work, they also ditch class.
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3 Answers
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I would change it to positive: Not only do they slack off work, they also ditch class.
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kat phaseNot only don't they work hard, but they also don't attend the classes. Is this sentence grammatically correct?If we do use a negative form, we tend to use the uncontracted form in the not only clause in this construction:
Not only do they not work, but they don't attend (the) classes.
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Instead, say: "They neither work hard nor attend classes". No comma needed.
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