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  3. Expressing "not only..., even..." using 不但...甚至连 ("bu4dan4... shen4zhi4 lian2")

Expressing "not only..., even..." using 不但...甚至连 ("bu4dan4... shen4zhi4 lian2")

不但 shènzhì lián

Grammar
HSK 4

Structure

Subj. + 不但 ⋯⋯ ，甚至连 + New Subject + 也 + Matching Situation

Translations

  • not only, but even

Definition

这个句式用来表达递进关系，强调某事物不仅具有某种性质或发生某种情况，而且其程度更深、范围更广，甚至到了一个出人意料或更极端的点。

This pattern is used to express a progressive relationship, emphasizing that something not only possesses a certain quality or occurs in a certain situation, but also extends to a deeper degree, broader scope, or even to an unexpected or more extreme point.

Usage

“不但…甚至连…”用于连接两个分句或词组。前面“不但”引导的部分是基础事实或情况，后面“甚至连”引导的部分则表示更进一步、更极端或更出人意料的情况。“连”字后面通常跟着一个名词或代词，强调被涉及的对象或范围之广，常与“也”或“都”搭配使用，以增强语气。

"不但...甚至连..." is used to connect two clauses or phrases. The part introduced by "不但" presents a basic fact or situation, while the part introduced by "甚至连" indicates a further, more extreme, or more unexpected situation. The character "连" (even) is usually followed by a noun or pronoun, emphasizing the wide range or unexpectedness of the object involved, and is often paired with "也" or "都" to intensify the tone.

Examples

  • 1 他不但会说英语，甚至连法语也能流利交流。(He not only speaks English, but can even communicate fluently in French.)
  • 2 这个孩子不但聪明，甚至连大人都解答不了的难题他也能解决。(This child is not only smart, but can even solve difficult problems that adults can't.)
  • 3 那场大火不但烧毁了房屋，甚至连附近的树林也未能幸免。(That big fire not only burned down houses, but even the nearby forest couldn't escape it.)
  • 4 她不但对我们很冷淡，甚至连问候一声都不愿意。(She is not only cold towards us, but isn't even willing to say hello.)
  • 5 这次考试不但题目很难，甚至连平时成绩最好的同学都考砸了。(This exam not only had very difficult questions, but even the students who usually get the best grades failed.)

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