Page 388 - Practical English Usage 3ed - Michael Swan, Oxford

383
not only
384
In the rather fonnal structure not only . .. but also, not only and but also can go immediately before the words or expressions that they modify.
We go there not only in winter, but also in summer.
Not only the bathroom was flooded, but also the rest of the house.
The place was not only cold, but also damp.
Mid-position with the verb (see 24) is also possible. In this case, not only is generally used without do.
She not only sings like an angel, but also dances divinely.
She not only plays the piano, but also the violin.
Not only can be moved to the beginning of a clause for emphasis. It is then followed by auxiliary verb + subject; do is used if there is no other auxiliary (for more about this word order, see 302). But can be left out in this case.
Not only has she been late three times; she has also done no work.
Not only do they need clothing, but they are also short of water.
In infonnal English not only . .. but also is not very common; other structures are generally preferred.
We don't only go there in winter. We go in summer too.
noun + complement: what can follow a noun?
Many nouns, especially abstract nouns, can be followed by 'complements' - other words and expressions that 'complete' their meaning. These complements can be prepositional phrases, infinitive expressions or clauses (with or without prepositions).
Alan's criticism ofthe plan made him very unpopular. I hate the thought o f leaving you.
Does she understand the need to keep everything secret? I admire your beliefthat you are always right.
There's still the question o f whether we're going to pay her.
Many nouns can be followed by more than one kind of complement
He didn't give any reason for the changes. You've no reason to get angry.
The main reason why I don't believe her is this.
Not all nouns can be followed by all kinds of complement.
- the idea ofmarriage
the idea that I might get married
- freedom to choose
freedom ofchoice
{BUT NOT /reef:Nmr (tje.'ttJMing)
Unfortunately there is no easy way to decide which structures are possible after a particular noun. It is best to check in a good dictionary.
For more information about -ing forms after nouns, see 297. For infinitives after nouns, see 285.
For should In clauses after nouns, see 521.
For subjunctives in clauses after nouns, see 567.
For the prepositions that are used after some common nouns, see 449.
For prepositions before clauses, see 453.
For structures with preparatory it (e.g. It's a pity that we can't see him), see 446-447.
(BUT NOT the idea ttJ get mal'l'ietl)
Note that a related noun and verb may have different kinds of complement.
I have no intention o f resigning.
I do not intend to resign.
not only 383
page 356