i not only

USAGE SUMMARY

"I not only" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to introduce an additional statement or idea: For example, "I not only graduated with top honors, but also received various awards for excellence in my field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

I not only condone but support ski bumming.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the second part of the "i not only...but also..." construction logically follows and enhances the first part. The 'but also' is essential for completing the thought and making the sentence grammatically correct.

Common error

Avoid using "i not only" without completing the structure with a "but also" clause. Omitting it leaves the sentence incomplete and can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "i not only" functions as a correlative conjunction, introducing the first element in a pair of related items or actions. It sets up an expectation for a subsequent element, typically introduced by "but also". Ludwig AI confirms this structure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "i not only" is a versatile phrase used to introduce one part of a two-part structure. According to Ludwig, it's deemed grammatically correct and is commonly used across different contexts, including News & Media and Science. Remember to always complete the structure with "but also" to maintain grammatical correctness and convey the intended meaning. Common mistakes include omitting the "but also" clause, which leaves the sentence incomplete. For alternative expressions, consider options such as "not only did i" or "i also" for slightly different emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not only did i

This alternative emphasizes the action more directly by inverting the verb and auxiliary.

not just that, but i also

This alternative places more emphasis on the additional point.

i did more than just

This phrase focuses on exceeding a basic action or expectation.

i went beyond just

Implies surpassing initial limitations or expectations.

i also

A more straightforward way to introduce an additional point.

as well as that, i

Introduces a secondary action alongside the primary one.

in addition to

This phrase introduces something that supplements what was previously mentioned.

on top of that, i

Implies that something is added after something else has already occurred

furthermore, i

This indicates an elaboration on a previously stated point.

besides that, i

This adds another element to the discussion.

FAQs

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

The phrase "i not only" is used to introduce one element in a pair or series, often followed by "but also" to introduce the second element. For example, "I not only enjoy reading, but I also love writing".

What's the difference between "i not only" and "i also"?

"I also" simply adds another point, whereas "i not only" introduces a point as part of a pair. It implies that there's a subsequent, related point coming, connected by "but also".

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

You can use alternatives like "not only did i", "i did more than just", or "i also", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it incorrect to use "i not only" without "but also"?

Yes, using "i not only" without the corresponding "but also" makes the sentence grammatically incomplete and can be confusing. The "but also" is necessary to complete the structure and express the intended meaning.