I am not only

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I am not only" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a statement that emphasizes multiple aspects or qualities, often followed by "but also" to present a contrasting or complementary idea. Example: "I am not only excited about the project, but I am also eager to collaborate with the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I am not only his translator," she tells me later.

The Guardian

You see, I am not only a U.S. citizen..

The New Yorker

I am not only a vegetarian but also allergic to gluten.

The New York Times - Food

(Full disclosure: I am not only an academic, I have on occasion listened to Whitney Houston).

The New York Times

"I am not only aware of my roots, I am very proud of them," she said.

The New York Times

And I am not only talking about him adapting to Cardiff's "Ayatollah" straight away.

The Guardian - Sport

I am not only the director of religious ed, but this is my parish.

The New York Times

I am not only a homebody but also a Westchester body.

The New York Times

But I still maintain that I am not only funnier but franker and more open.

The Guardian - Opinion

I am not only disappointed about these unfair pension changes, I am increasingly angry.

The Guardian

"I am not only privileged to work for the FA and England.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For emphasis, you can invert the sentence structure to "Not only am I..." but use this sparingly to avoid sounding overly formal.

Common error

Avoid omitting the "but also" part of the construction. While understandable in informal speech, its absence can weaken the sentence in formal writing. Always complete the pair to maintain clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I am not only" functions as a conjunctive phrase, connecting two or more characteristics, actions, or states of being. It signals that what follows is not the exclusive or exhaustive description of the subject. This is supported by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I am not only" is a versatile and grammatically correct construction used to introduce multiple characteristics or states. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's frequently found in news and media, but also appears in formal and business contexts. When using this phrase, remember to complete the "not only...but also" structure for clarity. Consider alternatives like "I'm not just" or "Not only am I" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Not only am I

Inverts the structure for emphasis, placing "not only" at the beginning of the sentence.

I'm not just

Replaces "only" with "just", slightly altering the emphasis while maintaining the same core meaning.

I do not simply

Uses "simply" instead of "only", emphasizing that the action or state is not basic or limited.

I'm more than

Shifts the focus to highlight a broader scope of qualities or attributes beyond a single aspect.

It's not just that I

Introduces the phrase by emphasizing that something is more than a simple case. It shifts the sentence structure but keeps the meaning.

In addition to being

Explicitly adds another attribute or role, maintaining the sense of multiplicity.

I am also

Omits the "not only" portion but implies it by following up with additional characteristics.

Furthermore, I am

Adds extra information to something that has been said, in order to reinforce the point.

Besides being

Introduces an additional aspect beyond what was previously mentioned, conveying a similar meaning to the original phrase.

Apart from being

Similar to "besides being", it indicates an additional quality or state beyond the initial one.

FAQs

How can I use "I am not only" in a sentence?

Use "I am not only" to introduce a statement that is followed by another connected idea. Often paired with "but also", it emphasizes that you are more than just one thing. For example, "I am not only a student, but I am also a volunteer."

What can I say instead of "I am not only"?

You can use alternatives like "I'm not just", "I'm more than", or "Not only am I depending on the context." The best option will be the one that best fits the sentence.

Which is correct, "I am not only" or "I am only"?

"I am only" indicates a sole characteristic or action. "I am not only" suggests additional, often complementary or contrasting, characteristics or actions are also true. The correctness depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "I am not only" and "I am just"?

"I am not only" introduces multiple aspects, typically followed by "but also", while "I am just" limits the scope to a single aspect. For example, "I am not only happy but relieved" versus "I am just happy".