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Lesson

Not Only… But Also (不但…而且…)

1. Explain it simply

不但 introduces the first point; 而且 adds a second, stronger point.

This means 'not only... but also...', and the two points agree, not contrast.

Keep the same subject: subject + 不但 A,而且 B.

不但 pairs with 而且, not with 但是.

2. Show examples

这个饭馆不但便宜,而且好吃。

Zhège fànguǎn bùdàn piányi, érqiě hǎochī.

Sandhi:Zhège fànguǎn búdàn piányi, érqiě hǎochī.

This restaurant is not only cheap but also delicious.

不但 A,而且 B

他不但聪明,而且努力。

Tā bùdàn cōngming, érqiě nǔlì.

Sandhi:Tā búdàn cōngming, érqiě nǔlì.

He is not only smart but also hardworking.

two points agree

学中文不但有意思,而且有用。

Xué Zhōngwén bùdàn yǒuyìsi, érqiě yǒuyòng.

Sandhi:Xué Zhōngwén búdàn yǒuyìsi, érqiě yǒuyòng.

Studying Chinese is not only interesting but also useful.

second point is stronger

3. Share a tip

不但 pairs with 而且, not 但是. With one subject, put 不但 after the subject (他不但聪明), and make sure the two points point the same way.

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