HSK 7
X（也）不是，不X也不是
X （ yě ） bú shì ， bù X yě bú shì
The structure 'X won't do, not X won't do either' (X（也）不是，不X也不是)
Explanation
X（也）不是，不X也不是 is a fixed structure of colloquial speech (everyday spoken language) used to describe a dilemma: doing it won't do, and not doing it won't do either.
X + （也）不是，+ 不 + X + 也不是, where X is one and the same verb repeated. For example, 走…不走…, 笑…不笑…. It is usually followed by a sentence stating the awkward consequence.
when expressing a mood of confusion and awkwardness because neither choice is satisfactory; used only in speech, with a vivid flavor.
不是 here does not literally mean "is not" but rather "won't do, won't work"; both clauses must use the same verb X (first affirmed, then negated) to form the contrasting pair.
using two different verbs in the two clauses (breaking the X / 不X contrast); understanding 不是 in its literal sense of "is not," leading to a wrong translation; using this structure in formal writing (inappropriate).
Examples
Leaving won't do, and not leaving won't do either, leaving us at a loss as to what would be best.
Laughing won't do, and not laughing won't do either—it's truly embarrassing.
Practice
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Learn “X（也）不是，不X也不是” effectively
The grammar point “X（也）不是，不X也不是” (The structure 'X won't do, not X won't do either' (X（也）不是，不X也不是)) is one of the key structures at HSK 7. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.
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