is not only a

USAGE SUMMARY

"is not only a" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to compare two similar things, emphasizing that one thing is more than just the other. For example, you could say, "This class is not only a college credit; it's an opportunity to gain life experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Time is not only a valuable asset.

The New York Times

Joao is not only a brave photographer.

The New York Times

Galatasaray is not only a football club.

The New York Times - Sports

This is not only a domestic issue.

The Economist

This is not only a Shia issue.

The Guardian

But Hustvedt is not only a writer.

The Guardian - Books

This is not only a US issue.

The Guardian - Opinion

Liu is not only a sports star.

The New York Times - Sports

This is not only a Memphis deal.

The New York Times - Sports

This is not only a western phenomenon.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But speech policing is not only a liberal problem.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is not only a" to highlight multiple facets of a subject, showing it's more complex than a single descriptor. For instance, "This book is not only a historical account; it's a compelling narrative about human resilience."

Common error

Avoid using "is not only a" without completing the thought with "but also". For example, instead of saying "This is not only a good idea", say "This is not only a good idea, but also a practical solution".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not only a" functions as a connector that introduces one aspect of a subject, with the implication that further aspects will be revealed, often using "but also". As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase correctly serves to emphasize that a subject has multiple dimensions. Examples in Ludwig illustrate this usage across different domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

23%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is not only a" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that connects ideas, adding dimension to a subject by indicating that it has more than one aspect. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and effective in written English. Analysis of Ludwig's examples reveals that it commonly appears in News & Media, Academia, and Scientific contexts, demonstrating its broad applicability. To maximize its effectiveness, writers should ensure that the "is not only a" clause is always followed by a "but also" clause, and consider the nuanced differences between it and similar phrases for the best fit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is also a

Replaces "not only" with "also", creating a more direct statement of additional qualities.

is more than just a

Emphasizes that something exceeds expectations or simple categorization.

is not merely a

Indicates that something is not simply what it appears to be, implying deeper significance.

is not simply a

Similar to "is not merely a", highlighting that something is more complex.

is both a and

Highlights two aspects of something, connecting them directly.

is not exclusively a

Suggests that while something might be associated with a certain category, it is not limited to it.

is not limited to being a

Similar to "is not exclusively a", emphasizing a broader scope.

is not confined to being a

Indicates that something transcends a particular limitation or boundary.

extends beyond being a

Highlights that something encompasses more than just one aspect or role.

is not restricted to being a

Similar to "is not limited to being a", but with a stronger emphasis on restriction.

FAQs

How do I use "is not only a" in a sentence?

Use "is not only a" to introduce one aspect of a subject and then follow it with "but also" to introduce another, emphasizing that the subject has multiple qualities or functions. For example, "This policy is not only a cost-saving measure, but also an environmental initiative".

What can I say instead of "is not only a"?

You can use alternatives like "is also a", "is more than just a", or "is not merely a" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "is only a" instead of "is not only a"?

Saying "is only a" is grammatically correct, but it has a different meaning. "Is only a" implies limitation, while "is not only a" suggests that something has additional qualities or functions beyond the one being mentioned.

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

While both phrases suggest that something has more than one aspect, "is not only a" is often used in more formal contexts and implies a greater degree of significance or surprise than "is not just a", which is more casual. Functionally, they are quite similar, but the choice depends on the desired tone and audience.