Which is the correct sentence for reporting the sentence?

Status
Not open for further replies.

Tan Elaine

Key Member
Joined
Jun 29, 2008
Member Type
Student or Learner
Native Language
English
Home Country
Hong Kong
Current Location
Hong Kong
Kah Meng is poor at his studies. He is not well-liked by his classmates.

1. Not only is Kah Meng poor at his studies, he is also not well-liked by his classmates.

2. Not only is Kah Meng poor at his studies(,) but he is also not well-liked by his classmates.

a) Which is the correct sentence in reporting the above sentence in bold? I think it is 2.

b) Is a comma needed after 'studies'?.I don't think so. Am I also correct?

Thanks.
 
Last edited:

februar

Member
Joined
Sep 10, 2011
Member Type
Interested in Language
Native Language
German
Home Country
Switzerland
Current Location
Switzerland
1. Not only is Kah Meng poor at his studies, he is also not well-liked by his classmates.

No 1 is correct inclusive comma.
An example with "but" is: Not only that, but I also think that.....

februar, no teacher
 

White Hat

Banned
Joined
Aug 14, 2011
Member Type
Interested in Language
Native Language
Russian
Home Country
Russian Federation
Current Location
Russian Federation
2. Not only is Kah Meng poor at his studies, but he is also not well-liked by his classmates.

This is correct. If you don't put "but", you have to have two clauses as separate sentences or put a ";" between them.
As far as the comma, we do need it.
Check this out:
Comma Rules - Grammar & Editing Wiki

__12__ Do not place a comma before the second half of a correlative-conjunction pair (not only...but also, not...but, either...or, or neither...nor) unless each half is followed by an independent clause


A good lover not only accepts but also treasures his or her beloved’s flaws.


Not only did the monster exist, but also it was under the child’s bed.


Either you are a winner, or you are a loser.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top