Not Only... But Also
When you want to emphasize multiple positive (or negative) aspects of a situation, you can use the correlative conjunctions niet alleen ... maar (ook) (not only ... but also).
Because maar is a coordinating conjunction, it connects two independent main clauses without changing the word order. In a standard sentence, niet alleen is placed after the verb in the first clause, and ook sits inside the second clause.
| The orchestra not only plays well, but the music is also beautiful. | Het orkest speelt niet alleen goed, maar de muziek is ook mooi. |
| He not only plays the violin, but he also sings well. | Hij speelt niet alleen viool, maar hij zingt ook goed. |
Notice that the structure of the second clause is always maar + subject + verb, with ook placed later in the sentence.
Starting with "Niet alleen"
For extra emphasis, you can place niet alleen at the very beginning of the sentence. Moving this phrase to the front triggers inversion in the first clause (the verb comes before the subject).
| Not only are these musicians talented, but they also play classical music. | Niet alleen zijn deze muzikanten talentvol, maar ze spelen ook klassieke muziek. |
Even when you invert the first clause, the second clause following maar keeps its standard main clause word order.
Describing Musical Performances
This structure is perfect for reviewing a concert, describing an orchestra, or praising classical musicians.
| The conductor is not only strict, but he is also very talented. | De dirigent is niet alleen streng, maar hij is ook erg talentvol. |
| The sound is not only clear, but the song is also impressive. | De klank is niet alleen helder, maar het lied is ook indrukwekkend. |
| The rhythm is not only fast, but the song also moves me. | Het ritme is niet alleen snel, maar het lied ontroert me ook. |