it not only

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it not only' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to introduce another element of something, similar to the phrase 'not only...but also.' For example, you could say, "It not only cost me a lot of money, but also a great deal of time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It not only repels ticks; it kills them on contact.

The New York Times - Science

It not only demystified; it also delegitimized.

The New York Times

It not only said MR. BOIES.

The New York Times

Is it not only morally permissible, but even morally required?

Columbia University

It not only contains text, but also images, and maps.

Columbia University

It not only seems unfair, it seems discriminatory.

The New York Times

It not only requires consent but a waiting period.

The New York Times

"We do it not only to position ourselves.

The New Yorker

It not only raised money, but called attention to tuberculosis.

The New York Times

It not only couldn't be explained, it shouldn't be.

The New Yorker

It not only sounds terrible, it is terrible.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it not only", always ensure that the sentence structure is completed with a corresponding 'but also' to maintain grammatical balance and clarity. For example, use the structure "It not only does X, but it also does Y."

Common error

Avoid starting a sentence with "it not only" without including a corresponding 'but also' clause. Omitting the 'but also' disrupts the parallelism and makes the sentence grammatically incomplete and confusing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it not only" functions as a correlative conjunction, introducing one part of a two-part structure that requires a corresponding "but also" to complete the thought. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

35%

Academia

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it not only" is a versatile correlative conjunction used to introduce one part of a two-part statement, requiring a "but also" to complete the thought. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used across diverse contexts like News & Media, Science, and Academia. The key is to ensure the sentence structure is balanced and parallel to avoid grammatical errors. While "it not only" is common, related phrases like "it also" or "not just it" can offer alternative ways to convey a similar meaning. By following best practices, writers can effectively use "it not only" to emphasize multiple aspects of a subject, making their writing more impactful and clear.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it also

Focuses on the secondary aspect, omitting the initial emphasis.

not just it

Emphasizes that the subject is more than the initial consideration.

it additionally

A more formal way of expressing an additional element.

it even

Highlights a surprising or unexpected added element.

in addition to that it

More verbose, specifying the adding element as a complement to the subject.

furthermore it

Transitions to an additional point in a more formal manner.

it too

A shorter, less emphatic way to indicate inclusion.

it as well

Similar to "it too" but slightly more common in some registers.

besides it

Introduces an additional element, often implying it's somewhat separate.

on top of that it

Suggests an additional element that adds to an existing situation.

FAQs

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

To effectively use "it not only", ensure you follow it with "but also" to create a balanced and grammatically correct sentence. For instance, "It not only rained, but also hailed."

What are some alternatives to using "it not only"?

Alternatives to "it not only" include phrases like "not just it", "it also", or "in addition to that it", depending on the context you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "it not only" without a "but also"?

No, using "it not only" without a corresponding "but also" is grammatically incorrect. The phrase requires a parallel structure to complete the thought.

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

"It not only" introduces the first part of a two-part statement, requiring a "but also" to complete it, while "it also" simply adds another point without the need for the initial emphasis.