English for Today by Ganiu Abisoye Bamgbose (Dr GAB)
GRAMMAR AND THE PRESIDENT’S BROADCAST
The government had no option ~than~ to relax the lockdown for the sake of the economy (nonstandard).
The government had no option but to relax the lockdown for the sake of the economy (standard).
The expression “have no option” collocates with “to” and not “than”.
The president not only commended the cooperation of the citizens, he consoled the family of the deceased (nonstandard).
The president not only commended the cooperation of the citizens but he also consoled the family of the deceased. “Not only” necessarily collocates with “also” or “but also”.
GAB
