not only but

USAGE SUMMARY

"not only but" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to add one or more extra items to a list that you have already mentioned. For example: "My mother is not only a great cook but also an amazing nanny."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

And the recognition that counts is, not only but above all, that of the electorate of the United States.

The Economist

Despite the BBC having wiped much material (14 Not Only But Alsos), what's commercially available is just the tip of the iceberg of what could and may be.

The Guardian - Film

The best actor award went to Rhys Ifans for his performance as the late comic genius Peter Cook in another Channel 4 drama Not Only But Always.

The Guardian

Senior UK officials admit that big savings cannot be made there, but emphasise that the issue is "very symbolic" not only, but especially, in Britain.

The Guardian

Partly, not only, but partly," Mr. Monti said, warning that "the end of the euro would unravel the single market, its rules, its institutions, and would take us back to where we were in the 1950s".

The New York Times

He was Bafta-nominated for his breakthrough role as Hugh Grant's flatmate, Spike, in the 1999 film Notting Hill, before winning the award for his portrayal of Peter Cook in Not Only But Always.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

There's also a shorter (and slightly less musically interesting) version of him playing it on Not Only … But Also.

The Guardian - Music

Cook and Moore created Derek and Clive to distinguish the X-rated sketches from their more wholesome Pete 'n' Dud Not only... but Also routines.

The Guardian

He also produced and directed the third series of Not Only… But Also (1970), starring Peter Cook and Dudley Moore, and the first run of Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads? (1973), which won a Bafta for best sitcom.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He also contributed material to the Peter Cook-Dudley Moore sketch show Not Only … But Also, as a comedy writer, and seemed drawn towards the pop art/satire world epitomised in the British cinema by the films of Richard Lester.

The Guardian - Film

The pair performed as a two-man group and in the late 1960's made albums, a moderately successful BBC series called "Not Only... but Also" about two working-class fellows, and several films.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For clarity, consider including "also" after "but" when using the phrase "not only but". This makes the connection between the two elements explicit.

Common error

Avoid omitting "also" when using "not only but", as it can make the sentence grammatically ambiguous or less clear. While sometimes acceptable, including "also" improves readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not only but" serves as a correlative conjunction, linking two related elements. It's used to emphasize that both elements are important or true. As Ludwig indicates, the inclusion of "also" often enhances clarity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not only but" functions as a correlative conjunction to link related elements, emphasizing their combined importance. Ludwig's analysis indicates that while grammatically acceptable, adding "also" often improves clarity and formality. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. For clearer and more impactful writing, consider including "also" and structuring your sentences to highlight the significance of both connected elements. While alternatives exist, understanding the specific nuance you aim to convey will guide the most effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not only that but also

More explicit and emphasizes the additional element.

not exclusively but

Emphasizes that something is not limited to one particular thing.

not solely but

Highlights that something is not just limited to one element.

not merely but

Suggests that something is more than just the mentioned item.

not just but

Similar to "not only but", but less formal.

not simply but

Implies that there's more complexity than initially suggested.

in addition to this

Introduces supplementary information or elements.

besides this

Indicates that something else is also true or relevant.

furthermore

Adds information in a more formal way.

moreover

Similar to 'furthermore' but may introduce something unexpected.

FAQs

How do I use "not only but" correctly in a sentence?

The phrase "not only but" is used to connect two related pieces of information, emphasizing that both are true or relevant. For maximum clarity, it's best to follow "but" with "also". Example: "She is "not only intelligent but also kind"".

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

While "not only but" is sometimes acceptable, adding "also" makes the connection between the two elements more explicit and improves clarity. Using "not only but also" is generally preferred for formal writing.

Can I use "not only but" at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, you can start a sentence with "not only but", but it might sound less natural than starting with the subject. Consider rephrasing the sentence for a smoother flow. For example: "Not only was it expensive, but it was also impractical" could be rewritten as "It was not only expensive but also impractical."

Are there alternatives to the phrase "not only but"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "not exclusively but", "not merely but", or "in addition to this" depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.