IELTS Grammar Topics

One of my favourite expressions when I want to give two reasons why something is good or bad in an IELTS essay is not only…but….. . This grammar structure is an example of inversion. With inversion, the subject and verb order is changed so that the verb comes first. Not only is this structure useful when you want to summarise your 2 main reasons in your introduction paragraph, but it can also be used in body paragraphs.

We very often follow not only with the verb be. This is because we are describing a noun with an adjective. Look at these examples from a writing task 2 model answer:

• Not only is eating in restaurants more expensive than eating at home, but it is more expensive too.

• Not only are outdoor activities far more beneficial for children’s mental and physical health, but they also give children more opportunities to interact with others and develop important soft skills.

• I strongly believe that physical education classes are useful, because not only are they beneficial to health, but they can also help pupils concentrate more effectively on their academic studies.

Notice that the two ideas are never contrasting. When we use this structure, both ideas must support the same point of view.

We don't always use the verb be after not only. Take a look at these examples:

• Not only does exercise help your physical health, but it helps your mental health too.

• Not only does fast food contain a lot of salt, but it usually contains a lot of fat too.

  
  

As you can see in the examples above, the auxiliary verb do is used after not only in cases where the main verb is not be.

The only other cases where we don't use the verb do, is where there is a modal verb like can/ should/ might etc. For example:

• Not only can music help you relax, but it can give you energy too.

• Not only would higher investment in education benefit the economy, but it would reduce crime too.

You can also see that in the clause after but the normal subject + verb word order is used.

It's also very common to add too at the end of the sentence. This adds more emphasis.

'Not only ....... but...' is usually used in formal writing, so it's very useful for IELTS writing task 2. However, it can sometimes be used in more informal writing too. Here's an example from a general test writing task 1 model answer:

• Not only can you enjoy the amazing scenery of the area, but you can find some lovely local pubs for a traditional lunch too.

Activity 1:

Combine the two ideas into one sentence by using not only…but…

Example: Dreams help to motivate you/ Dreams help you to be more determined in your pursuit of a goal

Answer: Not only do dreams help to motivate you, but they help you to be more determined in pursuit of a goal

1.  studying abroad can help you to master a foreign language/ studying abroad broadens your horizons

2. following your dreams may lead to financial success/ following your dreams is fulfilling

3. in the future medical care will be much better/ in the future schools and education will be better

4. nuclear energy does not produce carbon dioxide/ nuclear energy is not intermittent

5. doing sport helps children to learn soft skills/ doing sport helps children to stay fit and healthy.

6. getting enough sleep has been shown to prevent physical diseases/ getting enough sleep has been shown to help in the treatment of psychological illnesses

7. international trade has improved the lives of many people/ international trade has improved relations between countries

8. increasing funding for trains will lead to less pollution/ increasing funding for trains will lead to less congestion on the roads

Activity 2:

Now think of 2 reasons for or 2 reasons against a view presented in the IELTS questions below, then write a sentence giving your opinion and summarising the 2 reasons for it.

Example: Some people work very hard to make their dreams come true, while others are happy with what they already have. Do you think people should chase their dreams?

Answer: I strongly believe that people should go after their dreams because not only does chasing your dreams often lead to financial success, but it is also fulfilling.

1. Some people prefer to focus on ambitious dreams while others think realistic goals are more important. Which do you prefer and why?

2. People who grow up in wealthy families are less driven to succeed in school and at work. To what extent do you agree?

3. Children should be able to choose what they want to study rather than being forced to study a standard set of subjects. Do you agree or disagree?

4. Only people who grow up in wealthy countries have the luxury of chasing their dreams. What is your opinion?

5. In order to be a successful entrepreneur you must be an optimist. To what extent do you agree?