not only

USAGE SUMMARY

"not only" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize that something has two or more qualities or results, as in the following example: "Not only did I enjoy the meal, but the service was excellent as well."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's not only containers.

The New Yorker

Not "Only connect to".

Independent

Not only funny ideas.

The New Yorker

I'm not only female.

Independent

Not only for things.

The New York Times - Magazine

And not only research.

The Economist

Or not only that.

The New York Times

But not only them.

The New York Times - Sports

Not only that.

The New York Times

Not only in America.

Independent

Not only about me.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not only", ensure you follow it with "but also" to create a balanced and clear sentence structure. This helps to emphasize both aspects you are highlighting.

Common error

Avoid using "not only" without its counterpart "but also". This can leave the sentence incomplete and weaken the intended emphasis. Always pair them for clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not only" functions as a correlative conjunction, connecting two related elements in a sentence. It introduces the first element, implying that there is more to follow. Ludwig AI confirms its standard usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

3%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not only" is a versatile correlative conjunction used to emphasize multiple elements. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and most effectively used when paired with "but also". Predominantly found in news and media, it maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal writing. To avoid errors, always follow "not only" with "but also" for clarity and impact. Use alternatives like "as well as" or "in addition to" for slight variations in tone. The high source quality and frequency of examples showcase its reliability in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but also

Focuses on adding a direct counterpart to the initial statement, often emphasizing equality between the two.

not just

Similar to 'not only' but may carry a slightly weaker emphasis on the additional element.

as well as

More commonly used in less formal contexts, suggesting an addition that complements rather than contrasts.

in addition to

Introduces extra information, often suggesting a more significant or formal addition.

furthermore

Indicates an addition that builds upon the previous point, often in a more formal or academic context.

moreover

Similar to 'furthermore' but can also imply a slight strengthening or emphasizing of the initial point.

besides

Indicates an additional point or fact that supports the prior statement, often used in conversational contexts.

apart from

Highlights an element or condition that exists alongside or beyond the primary subject.

on top of that

Informal way to introduce an additional point, often emphasizing the accumulation of factors.

to boot

An idiomatic way to add an extra element, often implying surprise or excess.

FAQs

How to use "not only" in a sentence?

The phrase "not only" is used to introduce one element in a pair of related elements. It is usually followed by "but also" to introduce the second element. For example: "Not only is he intelligent, but he is also kind."

What can I say instead of "not only"?

You can use alternatives like "but also", "as well as", or "in addition to" depending on the context.

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

While it might be understood, omitting "but also" after "not only" is grammatically incomplete and can weaken your sentence. Using both phrases provides better clarity and emphasis. Consider rephrasing if you don't want to use the "but also".

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

Both phrases introduce an additional element. "Not only" typically anticipates a "but also" for a balanced emphasis. "Not just" might imply a broader range or less formal addition, but is often interchangeable. The choice depends on the desired tone and structure of the sentence.