Bienvenue! If you’re looking to expand your French vocabulary and learn how to express the notion of “not only” in both formal and informal contexts, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll cover various ways to convey this concept in French, providing numerous tips, examples, and even exploring potential regional variations. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Not Only” in French
1. Non seulement … mais aussi
The most common and formal way to express “not only” in French is by using the phrase “non seulement … mais aussi.” This construction allows for an elegant and precise demonstration of contrasts and extra information. Here’s an example:
Non seulement il est intelligent, mais il est aussi charmant. (Not only is he intelligent, but he is also charming.)
Note that you can easily expand on this structure by adding additional information after “mais aussi.”
2. Non seulement … mais encore
Another formal way, though less common, to convey “not only” is by utilizing “non seulement … mais encore.” Although this structure is slightly more literary, it works well in a formal context:
Non seulement il a réussi à l’examen, mais encore il a obtenu une bourse. (Not only did he pass the exam, but he also received a scholarship.)
As with the previous example, this structure allows for additional information after “mais encore.”
Informal Ways to Say “Not Only” in French
1. Pas seulement … mais aussi
In less formal situations, a commonly used phrase for “not only” is “pas seulement … mais aussi.” This construction maintains a casual tone while conveying the desired meaning:
Il a pas seulement de l’argent, mais aussi du talent. (He not only has money, but he also has talent.)
Don’t forget to use “pas seulement” instead of “non seulement” to maintain an informal style.
2. Pas uniquement … mais aussi
A slightly more formal variation of the previous phrase is “pas uniquement … mais aussi.” While still suitable for casual conversations, this construction adds a touch of sophistication:
Il est pas uniquement beau, mais aussi intelligent. (He is not only handsome but also intelligent.)
Feel free to adapt and add more information as necessary in a conversation.
Regional Variations
French is spoken in various regions, and there can be slight variations in expressions. Let’s look at an example that illustrates a regional alternative to the standard forms we’ve discussed:
1. Pas que … mais aussi
In some parts of southern France or in informal settings, you may encounter “pas que … mais aussi” to mean “not only.” Here’s an example:
Il a pas que de l’argent, mais aussi du charme. (He not only has money, but he also has charm.)
Keep in mind that this variation is less common and may not be as widely understood in more formal contexts or regions outside of southern France.
Tips for Usage
- Pay attention to the placement of “non seulement,” “pas seulement,” or their variations, as these phrases typically introduce the first element of contrast.
- Vary your vocabulary to make your expression more diverse and sophisticated. Instead of constantly using “mais aussi,” consider utilizing synonyms like “et additionnellement” or “et de plus.”
- Remember that French adjectives agree in gender and number with the nouns they describe. Ensure consistency when using “non seulement” or “pas seulement” with a series of adjectives.
- Practice using these expressions in conversations to become more comfortable with their application in both formal and informal settings.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you’ve now expanded your French vocabulary by learning various ways to express “not only!” Whether you prefer the formal elegance of “non seulement” or the informality of “pas seulement,” you have a range of options that can suit any situation. Remember to adapt your choices based on the formality of the context and enjoy exploring the beauty of the French language!
