In deciding between a low-deductible medical insurance plan,

[Rahul SinghR799]

In deciding between a low-deductible medical insurance plan, which has higher monthly premiums but with more predictable out-of-pocket costs, or a high-deductible plan, which has lower premiums but with more variable and potentially higher out-of-pocket costs, it is important that patients consider the likelihood that they will need medical treatment or expensive prescription medications during the term of the plan.


A) which has higher monthly premiums but with more predictable out-of-pocket costs, or a high-deductible plan, which has lower premiums but with more variable and potentially higher out-of-pocket costs, it is important that patients consider the likelihood that they will need

B) with higher monthly premiums but more predictable out-of-pocket costs, as compared to a high-deductible plan, with lower premiums but with out-of-pocket costs that are more variable and potentially higher, patients should consider their likelihood of needing

C) with higher monthly premiums but more predictable out-of-pocket costs, and a high-deductible plan, with lower premiums but more variable and potentially higher out-of-pocket costs, patients should consider whether they are likely to need

D) which not only has higher monthly premiums but also has more predictable out-of-pocket costs, and a high-deductible plan, with lower premiums but with more variable and potentially higher out-of-pocket costs, patients should consider whether it is likely that they will need

E) with higher monthly premiums but more predictable out-of-pocket costs, or a high-deductible plan, with lower premiums but more variable and potentially higher out-of-pocket costs, it is important for patients to consider the likelihood of their needing


Dear Instructors,

I could not understand why the use of "not only X, but also Y" is wrong in option D. Could you please let me know, if possible with example, the difference between these two and correct usage.

Also, the difference between "with" and "which" as subordinate.

Thanks in advance,
Best Regards,
Rahul

[RonPurewal]

"not only ... but also ..." is used for two things that have the same significance / impact / effect—two things that "go in the same direction", basically.

"but" by itself, as you're probably aware, indicates a contrast.

these are complete opposites, so, in any given context, at least one of them is going to be nonsense.

e.g.,

My friend's wife is not only gorgeous but also brilliant. (correct sentence—2 good things)
*My friend's wife is gorgeous but (also) brilliant. (incorrect sentence—there's definitely no contrast here)

*Rachel is not only extremely intelligent but also socially awkward. (incorrect sentence—one of these is a good thing and the other is a bad thing)
Rachel is extremely intelligent but (also) socially awkward. (correct sentence, properly indicating contrast)

here, "higher premiums" is a bad thing, but "more predictable costs" is a good thing. thus, the use of "not only ... but also ..." is nonsense.

[RonPurewal]

(also note that there are no mechanical/grammatical issues in any of the example sentences above; the only issues are problems of meaning.)

[Rahul SinghR799]

Hello Ron,

Thanks for the explanation, I have now understood.

Rahul

[samichange]

A simple way to remember the difference in the usage of not only x but also y AND not x but Y is as follows-

Not only X but also Y = X+ Y ( No contrast but X and Y are additive)

Not X but Y = Y ( X is dumped and Y remains)

[RonPurewal]

Not only X but also Y = X+ Y ( No contrast but X and Y are additive)

merely 'no contrast' isn't good enough. in this construction, 'x' and 'y' must be ideas that actually reinforce one another (= both work toward making the same point, in some way).