Select the most appropriate option to replace the underlined part of the sentence:
On Raksha Bandhan, my brother not only gave me a book but also a box of sweets.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → gave me not only a book but also a box of sweets
“Not only ... but also” in matching places:
- The words after “not only” and after “but also” must be the same kind of words.
- The given sentence says “not only gave me a book but also a box of sweets”. This is wrong: a verb (gave) comes after “not only”, but a noun (a box) comes after “but also”.
- The brother gave two things. So “not only” must come just before the first thing: not only a book but also a box of sweets.
- Complete sentence: On Raksha Bandhan, my brother gave me not only a book but also a box of sweets.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: gave me not only a book as well as a box of sweets — Incorrect. “Not only” is always paired with “but also”, not with “as well as”.
Option 2: not only gave me a book but a box of sweets also — Incorrect. “Not only” is still before the verb “gave”, while “but” is before the noun “a box”. The two parts still do not match.
Option 3: gave not only me a book but also a box of sweets — Incorrect. Here “not only” stands before “me”, but “but also” stands before “a box of sweets”. “Me” is the person who got the gifts, but “a box of sweets” is a gift. The two parts do not match.