不但…而且…bùdàn... érqiě...

Structure 不但…而且… (bùdàn... érqiě...): Not only... but also...

Meaning: Not only... but also... (progressive relation)

Pattern

The structure 不但…而且… is one of the most important progressive conjunction pairs in HSK 4.
It is used to emphasize that in addition to a first quality or action, the subject also possesses another quality or action of a higher degree or broader scope.
When both clauses share the same subject, the subject is placed before 不但; when the two clauses have different subjects, the subjects must be placed after 不但 and after 而且 respectively.
The second clause often adds the adverbs 还 or 也 to reinforce the tone: 不但…而且还…, 不但…而且也….
You can also replace 不但 with 不仅 for a more formal style.
The content of the second clause must be stronger, deeper, or more noteworthy than the first clause; otherwise, the sentence becomes illogical.

1
他不但会说英语，而且会说法语。
Tā bùdàn huì shuō Yīngyǔ, érqiě huì shuō Fǎyǔ.
He can speak not only English, but also French.
2
这家餐厅不但便宜，而且很好吃。
Zhè jiā cāntīng bùdàn piányi, érqiě hěn hǎochī.
This restaurant is not only cheap, but also very delicious.
3
不但我喜欢看书，而且我妹妹也喜欢看书。
Bùdàn wǒ xǐhuān kàn shū, érqiě wǒ mèimei yě xǐhuān kàn shū.

•Place the subject before 不但 if both clauses share the same subject; place subjects after 不但 and 而且 if the subjects differ.

⚠️ Common Mistakes:

•Misplacing the subject when the two clauses have different subjects.

•Making the second clause weaker than the first clause, which destroys the progressive meaning.

Combine Vocabulary, Grammar, Reading Practice, Listening, Hanzi Writing, and Mock Exams at HSK 4 to master all skills together.