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Thanks to a previous post, I have learned that when using "not only" in a negative context, if you don't want to invert the sentence, the best way is to use the "neither...nor" construction.
For example (source):
Not only are all humans not equally intelligent, but those who are truly intelligent are also not equally as intelligent in every field.
I think can be reworded to:
All humans are neither equally intelligent, nor are those who are truly intelligent equally intelligent.
As far as I know, "not only... but also" sentences should be allowed to undo the inversion such as the below.
Not only am I impressed with his talent, but I also like his personality.
To:
I am not only impressed with his talent, but also like his personality.
With the sentence that begins with negative context, however, that is impossible. I believe you cannot say:
All humans are not only not equally intelligent, but those who are truly intelligent are also not equally as intelligent in every field.
Am I correct about this? Can anyone please verify the above with the explanation please?
You missed out a 'not' in your quote! I've stuck it in for you. – Araucaria - Not here any more. – 2017-04-16T11:48:29.723
1What inversion are you talking about? Subject-auxiliary inversion? Logical inversion (negation)? – Kaz – 2017-04-16T14:55:09.917