SuperESL Posted 13 years ago
Grammar
But
Hi.
"The currency dispute between China and the US was not merely an economic conflict, but also a prelude to a probable war between the two countries."
"She is not just a 16-year-old girl, but also a scheming, murderous seductress."
Is the usage of 'but' in these examples acceptable? Is the 'also' necessary in both?
I am sure there are other ways to express the same overall meanings I am trying to convey. But my chief interest here revolves around the correct usage of 'but' in a context such as these examples.
Thank you.
"The currency dispute between China and the US was not merely an economic conflict, but also a prelude to a probable war between the two countries."
"She is not just a 16-year-old girl, but also a scheming, murderous seductress."
Is the usage of 'but' in these examples acceptable? Is the 'also' necessary in both?
I am sure there are other ways to express the same overall meanings I am trying to convey. But my chief interest here revolves around the correct usage of 'but' in a context such as these examples.
Thank you.
Top answer
Yes, it is acceptable and quite common. The construction not only (or merely , in this case) … but also is sometimes referred to as a correlative conjunction .
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Yes, it is acceptable and quite common. The construction not only (or merely, in this case)… but also is sometimes referred to as a correlative conjunction.
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