not only about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not only about" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to emphasize a point and can be used for both formal and informal writing. For example: "This book is not only about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, but it also offers advice on how to make positive changes in one's life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's not only about U2.

Wikipedia

Not only about me.

The New York Times

"It's not only about violence.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's not only about technology.

The New York Times

It's not only about her.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Football is not only about attack.

Independent

And not only about climate change.

The New Yorker

It's not only about being kind.

Independent

But it is not only about her.

The New York Times

But this is not only about Okinawa.

The New York Times

It's not only about the dress.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not only about", ensure you clearly specify what else the subject relates to. This strengthens your argument and provides a more complete picture for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "not only about" without specifying the additional elements or aspects involved. Failing to do so leaves your audience wondering what else is relevant, weakening your message. Be explicit and clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not only about" functions as a conjunctive phrase. It serves to introduce additional aspects or elements related to a particular subject, expanding its scope beyond an initial focus. Ludwig examples show usage in academic papers, news reports, and general writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

21%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not only about" is a frequently used phrase that acts as a conjunctive element, broadening the scope of a topic beyond its initial focus. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is grammatically correct and appears across diverse sources like news articles, academic papers, and business documents. To maximize impact, ensure you explicitly state the additional elements involved when using this phrase. Alternatives include phrases like "more than just" and "not limited to". The frequency and consistent usage across reputable sources underscore its reliability in both formal and informal writing. As such, leveraging this phrase effectively can enhance your communication and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not exclusively about

Emphasizes that while the subject may relate to one aspect, it is not limited to it.

more than just

Replaces "not only about" with a simpler phrase emphasizing the additional aspects involved.

not merely about

Indicates that the subject is more significant or complex than initially perceived, suggesting further considerations.

not limited to

Indicates that the subject extends beyond a specific boundary, similar to including more than one aspect.

encompasses more than

Highlights the comprehensive nature of the subject, implying it includes other elements besides the mentioned one.

goes beyond

Suggests the subject exceeds a certain limit or scope, indicating additional dimensions.

extends beyond

Similar to "goes beyond", emphasizing the reach and scope of the subject.

is not just

A shorter, more informal way to convey that something is more than just a single element.

involves more than

Directly states that the subject includes multiple facets, similar to "not only about".

also includes

Highlights the presence of additional elements, shifting the focus to inclusion.

FAQs

How can I use "not only about" in a sentence?

Use "not only about" to introduce a broader perspective or additional elements related to a topic. For example, "The movie is "not only about" action, but also explores themes of family and redemption."

What are some alternatives to saying "not only about"?

You can use alternatives such as "more than just", "not limited to", or "encompasses more than" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "not only about" or "not just about"?

"Not only about" and "not just about" are often interchangeable, but "not only about" can provide a slightly stronger emphasis on the additional aspects involved. The choice depends on the desired tone and context.

What's the difference between "not only about" and "not concerned with"?

"Not only about" indicates that a topic encompasses more than one aspect, whereas "not concerned with" suggests a lack of focus or relevance to a particular issue. They are used in different contexts to convey different meanings.