not only applies

USAGE SUMMARY

"not only applies" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that what is being discussed applies to more than one thing. For example: "This rule not only applies to students, but also to teachers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

This not only applies to journalism, but to LGBT organizations as well.

The Guardian

That not only applies to the deep, otherwise completely inaccessible interior.

University of California, Berkeley

That not only applies to where they sleep, but also to what they do.

The New York Times - Travel

The phrase not only applies to basketball, but also our life.

The New York Times - Sports

Then came MakeupPlus, which not only applies foundation, lipstick, blush, eyeshadow, and mascara, but can also dye your hair, shape your brows, and change your eye color.

The New Yorker

It not only applies under limited circumstances, whether a regulatory regime is up to EU standards is completely within the discretion of the European Commission.

Columbia University

According to Mr. Liu, JPMorgan takes the position that this clause not only applies to the business as a whole but also to various units.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

That does not only apply to Diallo.

The New Yorker

The rationale behind nuclear deterrence did not only apply when facing the Soviet dictatorship.

The Guardian - Opinion

This does not only apply to the labour market, but also in your private life.

The Guardian - Opinion

These are questions that not only apply to Kenya but also to much of the developing world.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not only applies", ensure you clearly state what else it applies to using "but also". This provides clarity and strengthens the connection between the different elements.

Common error

A common mistake is to use "not only applies" without completing the structure with "but also". This leaves the sentence incomplete and unclear. Always include the second part of the construction to maintain grammatical correctness and convey your intended meaning effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not only applies" functions as a connector within a sentence, indicating that a statement or rule is valid for one situation and, importantly, also valid for another. As confirmed by Ludwig, it sets up an expectation that the second situation will be specified, typically using "but also".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not only applies" is a versatile phrase used to connect two related ideas, emphasizing that a statement is true in multiple contexts. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. To use it effectively, remember to include the "but also" to complete the construction and clearly indicate the additional areas of applicability. The phrase is common across various domains, including news, science, and academia. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal writing, though attention to completeness is essential to avoid common grammatical errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

equally applies to

Indicates that the application is the same in another context.

also pertains to

Changes the verb to "pertains", indicating relevance or connection rather than direct application.

holds true for

Indicates that something is valid or accurate in another situation.

is also relevant to

Replaces "applies" with "is relevant", offering a more general expression of applicability.

is also the case for

Replaces "applies" with a more conversational expression meaning the same thing.

extends to

Suggests the application goes beyond the initial scope, reaching further.

is likewise applicable to

Uses "likewise" to show similarity in application.

is furthermore applicable to

Adds "furthermore" for emphasis, highlighting an additional area of application.

is similarly relevant to

Uses "similarly" to emphasize the analogous relevance in another context.

also encompasses

Suggests inclusion of additional elements or areas.

FAQs

How do I use "not only applies" in a sentence?

The phrase "not only applies" is used to indicate that something is true or relevant in more than one case. For example, "This rule "not only applies" to students, but also to teachers."

What can I say instead of "not only applies"?

You can use alternatives like "also pertains to", "is also relevant to", or "extends to" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "not only applies to"?

Yes, "not only applies to" is grammatically correct. It sets up the expectation that you will specify what else it applies to using the "but also" construction. For example, "This principle "not only applies" to this situation, but also to others."

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

"Not only applies" sets up an expectation for an additional item or situation to be mentioned, usually connected by "but also". "Also applies" simply states that something else is also relevant, without necessarily implying a direct connection or comparison. The use of "not only" emphasizes the first item more than the second.