I read that "But Also" must always follow "Not Only", but...

Question

... the OG seems to disagree: (SC04899)

The stem had:
"... not only are criminals able to do X," _____________

The correct choice was:
"they can also do X, Y, Z"

I eliminated this right off the bat because I read on several sites and the MGMAT guide that Not Only/But Also is an idiomatic pair. Are there any rules for Not Only? Feeling a bit confused and was hoping I could get some clarity.

mykrasovski · Answer

Hi coinsy , please check the explanation by GMATNinja and post your questions, if any, under the thread. https://gmatclub.com/forum/as-criminal- ... 20239.html

AndrewN · Answer

It is either part of the idiomatic tail  but also  that I sometimes see omitted. Most of the time, you will, in fact, see  not only... but also  perfectly intact, so I do not wish to disabuse you of its grammatical correctness. However, it is sometimes the case that you will see  not only... but... , without the  also , as though the  also  were understood in the context. Even more rarely, you may come across a  not only... also  sentence, as in,

He not only smells, he is also rude, making him a complete boor.

I would suggest keeping the full idiom in mind when encountering  not only... , but, as with many grammatical rules, you ought to consider being flexible with your application of it.

I would be happy to answer any other questions you may have on the matter. Good luck with your studies.

- Andrew

TheUltimateWinner · Answer

coinsy 
 It seems that the sentence needs a "but" before "they" in apparently.
Can you write the full sentence, please?

mykrasovski · Answer

Asad  the sentence does not need anything. I shared the link to the question.

TheUltimateWinner · Answer

As criminal activity on the Internet becomes more and more sophisticated, not only are thieves able to divert cash from company bank accounts, they can also pilfer valuable information such as business development strategies, new product specifications, and contract bidding plans, and sell the data to competitors. 
"not only...but also" is not the exact figure-sometimes it can be changed. If you put a 'but' before 'also' it'll be ridiculous/awkward. 
 As criminal activity on the Internet becomes more and more sophisticated, not only are thieves able to divert cash from company bank accounts, they can  but  also pilfer valuable information such as business development strategies, new product specifications, and contract bidding plans, and sell the data to competitors.

Thanks__

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

I remember that question. Yeah, I feel you. If there is a NOT ONLY you want a BUT ALSO. Probably a good idea to just take it on board. Generally, the short cut holds true, though.

This link might bring you some further insight: https://gmatclub.com/forum/as-criminal- ... 20239.html

VerbalBot · Answer

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I read that "But Also" must always follow "Not Only", but...

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