not just

USAGE SUMMARY

"not just" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a negative emphasis or to add emphasis to a negative statement. For example: "I'm not just upset - I'm angry!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not just oil, not just manufacturing.

The New York Times

Not just the locals..."....

Independent

It's not just glamour.

The New York Times

Not just any cookbook.

The New York Times

"Or not just sex.

The New Yorker

"Not just woman.

The New Yorker

And not just traders.

The New York Times

It's not just disco.

The New York Times

It's not just contradiction.

The New York Times

"Not just economically.

Independent

And not just figuratively.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not just" to introduce a broader perspective or to emphasize that there's more to a situation than initially meets the eye. This can add depth to your argument or description.

Common error

Avoid using "not just" when a simple "and" or "also" would suffice. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not just" functions as a modifier, adding emphasis and indicating that something is more than initially stated. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. This is seen in various examples where "not just" introduces additional aspects or elements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not just" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize that something includes more than what is initially stated. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable. It functions as a modifier, expanding the scope of a statement and highlighting additional qualities. While its register is neutral, it's most frequently found in News & Media. To ensure effective communication, use "not just" to add depth and avoid overuse in simple additions. Consider alternatives like "not only" or "more than simply" to diversify your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not exclusively

This suggests that something is inclusive of other elements, not limited to one.

not merely

This alternative stresses the insignificance of one aspect compared to others.

more than simply

This alternative emphasizes that something exceeds basic expectations or characteristics.

beyond only

This phrase highlights that the scope extends past a specific limitation.

over and above

This phrase indicates something is additional and exceeds what is expected.

as well as

Indicates that something is included alongside something else.

in addition to

This phrase adds something extra to an existing item or condition.

to a greater extent than

Indicates a larger degree or impact than initially implied.

and also

This is a simple way to add another element, broadening the scope.

furthermore

This adds an extra piece of information or aspect to the original statement.

FAQs

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

Use "not just" to indicate that something includes more than what was initially mentioned. For example: "The problem is "not just" financial, but also social."

What are some alternatives to "not just"?

You can use alternatives like "not only", "more than simply", or "not exclusively" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to say "not just"?

Yes, the phrase "not just" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to emphasize that something is more than what has been stated.

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

"Not just" emphasizes that something includes more than what is stated, while "not only" is typically followed by "but also" to present two related elements. For example: "Not only is it expensive, but it's also impractical."