Not only... but

[Dragana.BL]

Good afternoon! Would you please be so kind as to tell me if the following sentence s acceptable (it is supposed to be formal):

"I hope that not only shall we maintain the current level of our cooperation, but that we also shall improve it."

Thank you very much in advance!

 

[Tarheel]

It's good.

 

[GoesStation]

It's not natural. There's no reason for inverting we shall at the beginning. Shall is unusual in American English; most writers would use will.

Write I hope that we will not only maintain the current level of cooperation, but that we will also improve it.

 

[Tarheel]

Well, the OP says it's supposed to be formal, and it certainly is. And my guess is he's probably focused more on British English (where they use "shall" more).

 

[GoesStation]

The inversion at the beginning was just incorrect. You could write Not only will/shall we maintain our current level of cooperation ... but the introductory I hope that​ makes the structure wrong.

 

[Dragana.BL]

Thank you! You both seem to be native speakers and both have different opinions. Now imagine what it feels like for us, non-native speakers. :-?
Thanks again.

 

[Tarheel]

I don't think we disagree that much. Also, you don't have to be so formal with your questions. Relax!

[Edited to note that rather than thanking people in his/her posts the poster can use the "Thank" button.-]

 

[emsr2d2]

It's fine for this BrE speaker too.