【问】 Not only the money but also the jewels________locked up in the safe.

当not only...but also连接主语时，谓语动词是使用单数还是使用复数呢?

【答】 如同or，either... or和neither... nor一样，用not only... but also连接主语时，谓语动词的数应服从接近原则：最靠近谓语动词的部分亦即but also后面的部分(名词或代词)决定谓语动词的数。因此上道考题的空白处应填are。再如：

1. Not only the teacher but also the students were invited.

不但那位教师被邀请，而且学生们也被邀请了。

2. Not only the students but also the teacher was invited.

不仅学生们被邀请，而且那位教师也被邀请了。

3. Not only you but also I am to blame，

不仅仅你，而且我也应受到责备。

4. Not only he but also you are to blame.

不但他，你也要受到责备。

上面的原则也适用于not... but：

Not you，but I am to blame.

不是你，而是我该受责备。

请做下面的英语试题：

1. Not only the child but also the mother________ when the bus drove across the mountains.

A. is frightened B. are frightened

C. was frightened D. were frightened

2. Not only I but also Jane and Mary_______tired of having one examination after another.

A. is B. are C. am D. be(全国高考英语试题，1989)