be not just

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be not just" is correct and usable in written English, though it may sound somewhat archaic or poetic.
You can use it in contexts where you want to express a notion of fairness or equity, often in a philosophical or literary discussion. Example: "In our quest for justice, we must strive to be not just in our actions, but also in our intentions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The effect would be not just noticeable, but massive.

Harvard University

In America that would be not just unacceptable but inconceivable.

The New York Times - Books

This can be not just unfortunate but tragic.

Harvard Business Review

Can it be, not just about revenge, but friendship?

The Guardian - Tech

They would be not just urban, but urbane.

The New York Times

"It turned out to be not just songs," says Robertson.

The Guardian - Music

And it could be not just nation-states, but non-nation-states as well.

Harvard University

The idea was brilliant, he said, but the execution might be not just expensive but challenging.

The New Yorker

The benefits can be not just environmental, but economic too, he said.

The New York Times

Such a Germany would be not just an economic but also a political superpower in Europe.

The Economist

"He seems to be not just a terrific pitcher but a very nice young man.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be not just", ensure the sentence structure maintains a parallel construction after "but" to create a balanced and impactful statement.

Common error

Be mindful not to create redundancy by stating the obvious on both sides of the "but" conjunction. Ensure the contrast offers a meaningful distinction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be not just" functions as a linking verb phrase that connects a subject with a description that extends beyond a single attribute. Ludwig AI indicates its use in highlighting the need for something to possess additional qualities or characteristics, as exemplified in the provided sentences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

22%

Less common in

Science

15%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be not just" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that underscores the importance of exceeding a single attribute or characteristic. Ludwig AI confirms its versatility and correctness, showcasing its presence in diverse contexts such as news, academia, and business. When employing "be not just", aim for parallel sentence structures to maximize impact and avoid stating the obvious. Remember that the phrase has a neutral tone and aims to create balanced statements. As you have observed from the examples, the phrase enhances clarity and strengthens your arguments, adding sophistication to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be more than merely

Emphasizes exceeding a basic level or expectation. It's a more direct alternative.

be not solely

This alternative emphasizes avoiding a single focus, implying other aspects are important.

be not exclusively

This alternative emphasizes inclusivity, indicating other possibilities or factors exist.

extend beyond simply

Focuses on reaching further than a limited scope. The focus is on the reach.

be greater than merely

This alternative suggests a significant difference in magnitude or importance.

go beyond only being

Highlights the act of surpassing a singular state. Implies a progression.

encompass more than just

Indicates the inclusion of additional elements or aspects. Focuses on the coverage.

surpass being simply

This alternative implies to outdo a particular state or attribute.

transcend being merely

Suggests a higher level of existence or quality beyond a basic state. Adds a sense of elevation.

be richer than simply

Suggests a deeper, more fulfilling experience beyond a basic state.

FAQs

How can I use "be not just" in a sentence?

The phrase "be not just" is typically used to emphasize that something should exceed a limited or basic aspect, implying a broader or more comprehensive quality. For example, "Justice must "be not just blind", but also fair."

What are some alternatives to "be not just"?

Alternatives include "be more than merely", "extend beyond simply", or "go beyond only being", depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it grammatically correct to say "be not just"?

Yes, "be not just" is grammatically correct, though it might sound somewhat formal or literary. It's often used to create a sense of balance or contrast in a statement.

What is the difference between "be not just" and "be not only"?

"Be not just" emphasizes the need to exceed a single characteristic and implies fairness, while "be not only" simply introduces additional aspects without necessarily implying a value judgment. For example, "The solution should "be not just effective", but also sustainable" suggests fairness, while "The solution should "be not only effective", but also affordable" simply lists two attributes.