but not only

USAGE SUMMARY

"but not only" is correct, and it can be used in written English.
For example, "I enjoy eating apples, but not only apples."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But not only Trump.

Independent

But not only them.

The New York Times - Sports

Certainly, but not only them.

The Economist

But not only Eliot.

The Guardian - Opinion

But not only me.

The New York Times - Sports

But not only misery.

The New York Times

But not only here.

The Guardian

'Partly, but not only.

The Guardian - Film

"But not only sopranos are victims.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"Letters but not only," according to Andrzej.

Stanford University

But not only cars and trucks.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "but not only", ensure that the sentence structure clearly indicates what else is included or true beyond the initial statement. This maintains clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "but not only" if you don't follow through with the 'but also' or an equivalent. An incomplete structure leaves the reader expecting more information that never comes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but not only" serves as a coordinating conjunction to introduce an additional element or aspect that complements or expands upon a preceding statement. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates that what follows is not the sole characteristic or reason.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Academia

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but not only" is a versatile conjunction phrase used to introduce additional elements or aspects that build upon a previous statement. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted. It's most commonly found in news and media contexts, but also appears in scientific and formal business settings. The expert rating indicates high source authority and usage consistency. When using this phrase, ensure that you complete the structure with a "but also" or equivalent to provide a balanced and clear sentence. Related alternatives include "but also" and "in addition". Overall, "but not only" is a useful tool for adding depth and nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but also

This alternative is very similar in meaning and structure, often used interchangeably with the original phrase.

but as well

A slightly less formal way to add an additional aspect or reason, similar to "but also".

but in addition

This alternative more explicitly adds an additional element, providing a slightly more formal tone.

but furthermore

This option emphasizes the addition of another point or aspect, adding a sense of continuation.

but not exclusively

This emphasizes that something is not limited to the mentioned aspect.

but moreover

This phrase provides an additional point that reinforces the previous one, lending a formal tone.

but it also encompasses

This option explicitly states the inclusion of something additional, adding clarity.

but beyond that

This alternative suggests something exists or occurs outside of the initial statement.

but on top of that

This option is a more emphatic and informal way to introduce an additional element.

but that's not all

This alternative indicates that there is even more to consider beyond what has already been mentioned, often in a more conversational manner.

FAQs

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

The phrase "but not only" is used to introduce an additional element or aspect to a statement. For example, "She is talented, but not only talented, she is also dedicated".

What's a more formal alternative to "but not only"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "but in addition" or "but furthermore". These options provide a more explicit and sophisticated way to introduce additional information.

How does "but not only" differ from "but also"?

While closely related, "but not only" introduces the first element while implying there's more, whereas "but also" is used to present the additional element. They work together to express that something has multiple facets or reasons.

Can I start a sentence with "but not only"?

Starting a sentence with "but not only" is grammatically acceptable but less common. It's generally better to use it within a sentence to connect related ideas smoothly. For instance, it's more effective to say "He is skilled, but not only skilled, he's also experienced" rather than beginning a sentence with it.