StudyNorwegian•Grammar / Your Norwegian journey
B2Connections and meaning

Not only … also

Add information with ikke bare … men også.

Bokmål · nb-NO
GRAMMATIKK · BOKMÅL

Not only … also

Use ikke bare … men også to add a second idea: Dugnad gir ikke bare et pent miljø, men også nye venner.

The rule, step by step

  1. The pattern means not only … but also. The second part adds a related point.
  2. Keep the parts parallel: two nouns, adjectives or verb phrases with the same role.
  3. Start with simple items such as norsk and engelsk, then expand to fuller ideas.

Sentence pattern

ikke bare + A + men også + B

Compare forms and usage
BokmålMeaning or use
ikke bare norsk, men også engelskTwo languages
ikke bare billig, men også praktiskTwo adjectives
ikke bare leser, men også skriverTwo verbs

Everyday examples

Example 1

Kurset er ikke bare nyttig, men også morsomt.

The course is not only useful, but also enjoyable.

Example 2

Hun snakker ikke bare norsk, men også engelsk.

She speaks not only Norwegian, but also English.

Example 3

Kurset er ikke bare nyttig, men også morsomt.

The course is not only useful but also enjoyable.

A common error or a difference in meaning

Form to review

Hun snakker ikke bare norsk, også engelsk.

Correct form for the intended meaning

Hun snakker ikke bare norsk, men også engelsk.

Men links the addition to the first part in this pattern; også alone does not give the same construction.

Put the rule into practice

0/3

Personal review progress on this device. It does not complete a reading lesson or award XP.

VELG

Choose the form that fits the rule and meaning explained in this lesson.

FYLL INN

Complete the gap using the appropriate form of the given word.

Given word: men

Han lærer ikke bare norsk, _____ også engelsk.

SETT I REKKEFØLGE

Rebuild the example, starting with “Kurset”: The course is not only useful, but also enjoyable.

…

Continue with the same subject

Although: selv om B1Because: fordi A2Logical connectors B1Conditional clauses B1

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