not just that

USAGE SUMMARY

"not just that" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to emphasize that something is true or relevant in addition to what has already been said. For example, "I know it's hard to find the right job, but it's not just that - it's also important to find one that you enjoy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not just that area.

The Guardian - Sport

And not just that.

The Economist

Not just that.

The New York Times

"It's definitely not just that.

The New York Times - Sports

But it's not just that.

The Guardian

But it is not just that.

The Economist

"It's not just that," Usl said.

The New Yorker

Not just that, but also confidence.

The New York Times

"And Ryan McDonagh's not just that.

The New York Times - Sports

Ah, but it's not just that.

The New York Times - Arts

But not just that.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not just that" to introduce an additional, often unexpected, reason or factor. It's effective for building upon an argument or explanation.

Common error

While useful, avoid beginning multiple consecutive sentences with "not just that". Vary your sentence structure by using synonyms like "moreover" or "furthermore" to maintain a natural flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not just that" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase. It connects two related ideas, emphasizing that the second idea is an additional and important consideration. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is a correct and usable English phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not just that" is a versatile conjunctive phrase used to add emphasis and expand upon previous statements. As validated by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and formal business settings. While its neutral register makes it suitable for various audiences, remember to avoid overuse and consider synonyms for a more dynamic writing style. "Not just that" serves to build upon existing information, signaling additional points or reasons to consider, enhancing overall clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

besides that

Indicates something is true or relevant in addition to a previous statement.

in addition

A phrase that explicitly states the addition of another element or factor.

on top of that

Implies adding something extra to an existing situation or factor.

what's more

Introduces an additional point that is even more significant than the previous one.

moreover

Adds an additional point, similar to "not just that", but is a single-word conjunction.

furthermore

Similar to 'moreover', it introduces extra information building upon a previous point.

beyond that

Suggests that the topic extends beyond what has already been mentioned.

that's not all

Creates anticipation for further information or reasons.

it also includes

Focuses on including an additional element.

to boot

Adds an extra, often surprising or unexpected, element.

FAQs

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

Use "not just that" to introduce an additional point or reason that reinforces or expands upon a previous statement. For example, "The project was successful, "moreover", it came in under budget."

What are some alternatives to using "not just that"?

You can use alternatives such as "in addition", "besides that", or "furthermore" to introduce an additional point or reason. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it acceptable to start a sentence with "not just that"?

Yes, starting a sentence with "not just that" is grammatically correct and commonly used to emphasize an additional point. It adds emphasis by immediately indicating that what follows is an important addition to what was previously stated.

What is the difference between "not just that" and "not only that"?

"Not only that" often introduces a more significant or surprising point than what was previously mentioned, while "not just that" simply adds an additional reason or factor. They are similar, but "not only that" has a stronger sense of escalation.