不但…而且… búdàn… érqiě…

不但…而且…（búdàn… érqiě…）means “not only… but also…: add a further, stronger point”. 不但 marks the first point; 而且 adds a second, stronger or further one. Formation: 不但 + A，而且 + 更进一层 B

not only… but also…: add a further, stronger point

HSK3

Formation

不但 + A，而且 + 更进一层 B

Explanation

不但 marks the first point; 而且 adds a second, stronger or further one. When both clauses share the same subject, it is placed once before 不但. 并且/也/还 can reinforce or replace 而且.

Examples

他 不但 会说英语，而且 会说法语。
tā búdàn huì shuō yīngyǔ, érqiě huì shuō fǎyǔ.
He can speak not only English but also French.
这个菜 不但 好吃，而且 便宜。
zhège cài búdàn hǎochī, érqiě piányi.
This dish is not only delicious but also cheap.

Note

If the subjects differ, put 不但 before the subject: 不但他来了，而且… Often 而且…也/还. ❌不但…可是… (可是 is contrast, not progression).

FAQ

不但…而且… — what does it mean and how is it used?

not only… but also…: add a further, stronger point. 不但 marks the first point; 而且 adds a second, stronger or further one. When both clauses share the same subject, it is placed once before 不但. 并且/也/还 can reinforce or replace 而且.

不但…而且… — how do you form it?

不但 + A，而且 + 更进一层 B

不但…而且… — any usage notes?

If the subjects differ, put 不但 before the subject: 不但他来了，而且… Often 而且…也/还. ❌不但…可是… (可是 is contrast, not progression).

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