Question 1

Why is sino used here instead of pero for 'but'?

Accepted Answer

When translating 'not only... but also', Spanish always uses the fixed pair no solo... sino también. Generally, sino is used instead of pero when the first part of a sentence is negative and the second part introduces a correction or an addition that complements it.

Question 2

I learned that solo has an accent mark when it means 'only'. Why is it missing here?

Accepted Answer

The Royal Spanish Academy (RAE) updated its spelling rules in 2010. They now recommend writing solo without an accent mark in all cases, whether it means 'only' (adverb) or 'alone' (adjective). You might still see sólo with an accent in older texts, but it is no longer required.

Question 3

Where is the word for 'It' at the beginning of the sentence?

Accepted Answer

Spanish doesn't use dummy subjects like the English 'it' for impersonal statements. The conjugated verb es already contains the meaning of 'it is'. Unless you are pointing to a specific object and want to emphasize it with a word like eso (that), you simply leave the subject out.

Question 4

Since this lesson is about impersonal instructions, how does this sentence fit in?

Accepted Answer

While direct signs often use bare infinitives (like No fumar), this sentence explains the reasoning behind a rule. You will often see this kind of impersonal es structure paired with an infinitive to state a regulation, such as: No solo es obligatorio, sino también necesario usar casco (It is not only mandatory, but also necessary to wear a helmet).

No solo es obligatorio, sino también necesario.

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