I not only

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'I not only' is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is typically used to introduce an additional fact or action that follows the main idea expressed in the sentence. For example: "I not only bought the new car, but I also sold my old one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

where X i not only denotes the location of a node but refers to the node itself.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

"I not only didn't like him, I despised him.

The New Yorker

I not only changed octaves, I changed voices.

The New York Times

"When the bell rings, I not only come out.

The New Yorker

I not only presume so, I would hope so.

The New York Times

I not only overestimated America's capacities, I overestimated America's legitimacy".

The New Yorker

I not only report on this trend, I live it.

The New York Times

"I not only bought into the program, I bought into Lear personally".

The New York Times

"I not only have to be the student, I also have to be the teacher".

The New York Times

"I not only want to win, I want to be the best".

Independent

I not only wanted to "bust out" of my present role – I needed to!

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the second part of the "not only...but also" construction logically follows and enhances the first part for a coherent message.

Common error

Avoid omitting the "but also" part of the construction. While sometimes implied, including it ensures clarity and avoids grammatical awkwardness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I not only" functions as a conjunctive phrase, connecting two related clauses where the second clause adds to or emphasizes the first. Ludwig AI indicates this is a grammatically correct construction used to introduce an additional fact.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

12%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I not only" is a grammatically correct and frequently used construction for introducing an additional element or action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively connects two related clauses, adding emphasis to the initial statement. This phrase is most common in news and media contexts and can also be found in scientific writing. When using "I not only", remember to ensure the "but also" component is clearly stated or strongly implied to avoid grammatical awkwardness. Alternatives like "Not only do I" or "In addition, I" offer similar meaning with slight variations in emphasis or formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Not only do I

This alternative inverts the structure for emphasis, requiring an auxiliary verb.

I do not just

Replaces "only" with "just", slightly softening the emphasis on the additional element.

I don't just

A contraction of "I do not just", maintaining a similar meaning with slightly more informality.

Besides that, I

Uses a transitional phrase to introduce an additional point, separating it more distinctly from the initial statement.

In addition, I

Similar to "besides that", offering a more formal way to add another element.

Furthermore, I

Adds a stronger sense of progression or intensification to the additional element.

Moreover, I

Presents the additional element as equally or even more important than the first.

Not solely do I

More emphatic way to convey something is not the sole thing you do.

As well as that, I

Emphasizes doing something else in addition to the first thing.

On top of that, I

Expresses the additional element as an extra or unexpected addition.

FAQs

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

Use "I not only" to introduce one action or state, followed by a second that emphasizes or adds to the first, typically using the structure "I not only [action/state], but also [additional action/state]".

What's a formal alternative to "I not only"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "in addition, I" or "furthermore, I" to introduce the additional element.

Is it always necessary to include "but also" after "I not only"?

While the "but also" can sometimes be implied, including it provides clarity and strengthens the connection between the two parts of the statement. Omitting it can make the sentence sound incomplete or awkward.

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

"I not only" implies that there is something more significant or additional to the initial statement, whereas "I just" typically limits or diminishes the scope of the action or state.