Spanish · B2 · Everyday language
Adding another important point in Spanish
In Spanish, to connect two related ideas or qualities while emphasizing both, we use the correlative conjunction 'no solo... sino también' (not only... but also). This structure allows you to build a more comprehensive argument or description by highlighting that one thing is true in addition to another.
What you'll learn
- Identify the correct placement of 'no solo' and 'sino también' around parallel elements.
- Understand when to use 'sino que también' when connecting two conjugated verbs.
- Express complex ideas with dual emphasis in natural B2-level Spanish.
Spanish phrases for adding another important point
Este rompecabezas no solo es difícil, sino también sorprendentemente divertido.
This puzzle is not only tricky but also surprisingly funny.
Here, the connectors link two adjectives: 'difícil' and 'divertido'.
La explicación no solo me ayudó a mí, sino también a mi pareja.
The explanation helped not only me but also my partner.
Note the use of the personal 'a' (a mí, a mi pareja) which is required for people.
Necesitamos no solo una buena idea, sino también un plan realista.
We need not only a good idea but also a realistic plan.
Used here to connect two noun phrases.
Ella no solo escuchó, sino que también ofreció consejos útiles.
She not only listened but also offered useful advice.
When 'sino' is followed by a conjugated verb, we add 'que' (sino que también).
El atajo no solo ahorra tiempo, sino también energía.
The shortcut saves not only time but also energy.
Connects two direct objects: 'tiempo' and 'energía'.
Esa elección no solo te afecta a ti, sino también a todos los que esperan.
That choice affects not only you but also everyone waiting.
The parallel structure uses 'a ti' and 'a todos' to maintain grammatical balance.
No solo estoy decepcionado, sino también bastante confundido.
I am not only disappointed but also rather confused.
'Bastante' is used here to translate 'rather' or 'quite'.
Él no solo notó el error, sino que también lo explicó claramente.
He not only spotted the mistake but also explained it clearly.
Again, 'sino que' is used because 'explicó' is a conjugated verb.
Hear these phrases and practise them
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Try it free for 7 daysKey words
rompecabezas
puzzle
Literally means 'head-breaker'.
pareja
partner
Used for a romantic partner or a partner in a pair.
atajo
shortcut
From the verb 'atajar' (to take a shortcut).
consejo
advice
In Spanish, this is a countable noun; you can give 'un consejo' or 'muchos consejos'.
Correlative Conjunctions: No solo... sino (que) también
This structure requires parallel parts of speech. If you follow 'no solo' with a noun, you should follow 'sino también' with a noun. A crucial rule at the B2 level is the addition of 'que' when the second part introduces a new conjugated verb.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| With Nouns/Adjectives | no solo + [word] + sino también + [word] | Es no solo alto sino también fuerte. |
| With Verbs | no solo + [verb] + sino que también + [verb] | No solo canta, sino que también baila. |
More examples
El libro es no solo largo, sino también denso.
The book is not only long but also dense.
Emphasis on the two qualities of the book.
No solo cocinó, sino que también lavó los platos.
He not only cooked but also washed the dishes.
Note the 'que' because 'lavó' is a verb.