not only do I

USAGE SUMMARY

"not only do I" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that you are doing something in addition to something else. For example: "Not only do I enjoy reading, but I also enjoy writing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Not only do I feel guilt, I feel hypocritical.

The New York Times

Not only do I have Asperger's syndrome, but I also have also mild cerebral palsy.

Independent

Not only do I not own a second home, I don't even own a first.

The New York Times

"Not only do I vote, but I see ev-er-y thing — ev-er-y-thing.

The New York Times

Not only do I sometimes enjoy reading hatchet-job reviews; I have written plenty of them.

Independent

"Not only do I think they will return, I think they should return," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Not only do I not know why, I don't even know what mistletoe is.

The New York Times

"Not only do I want to win, I'm going to win.

The New York Times

"Not only do I play it once but I play it twice.

The Guardian - Music

Not only do I think that they appreciate it, but it makes for better directed questions.

The Guardian

Not only do I not want to, but on top of that, I cannot," he said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not only do I" to emphasize that you're adding an important point or action in addition to something else you've already mentioned. Make sure to follow it with "but" and the additional clause to complete the structure.

Common error

Avoid using "not only do I" without completing the structure with a "but" clause. The phrase sets up an expectation that you will add a related piece of information, so failing to do so makes the sentence incomplete and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not only do I" functions as an introductory clause that sets up a compound statement. It serves to emphasize that what follows is not the only aspect or action, but that there is an additional, often related, point to be made. As Ludwig AI confirms, it adds emphasis to the sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

13%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not only do I" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to add emphasis and introduce additional information. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's appropriate for various contexts, especially in News & Media. To ensure correct usage, always complete the structure with a "but" clause. While alternatives like "in addition to" exist, they may not carry the same level of emphasis. Remember, the phrase's primary function is to highlight that a statement is not limited to a single point, enhancing the message's impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I not only

Word order is changed; "not only" directly precedes the verb.

in addition to

Replaces the entire phrase with a prepositional phrase indicating addition.

furthermore, I

Uses a conjunctive adverb to introduce an additional point.

moreover, I

Similar to 'furthermore', this adds another layer of information.

I, in addition

Similar meaning but slightly altered syntax, putting emphasis in I.

besides, I

Introduces an additional reason or point.

as well as I

Adds an additional aspect or action.

I also

A simplified way to express the addition of something.

I even

Emphasizes the additional point being made.

I do not only

Emphasizes 'do' for stress but is grammatically less common in modern usage.

FAQs

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

Use "not only do I" to introduce the first part of a two-part statement where you want to emphasize that you're adding something extra. For example, "Not only do I enjoy reading, but I also love writing".

What are some alternatives to saying "not only do I"?

You can use alternatives like "in addition to", "furthermore I", or simply "I also" depending on the level of formality and emphasis you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "not only I" instead of "not only do I"?

While "I not only" is grammatically correct, the inverted structure "not only do I" is more common and adds emphasis. "I not only" places emphasis on the 'I', which can be useful in different contexts.

What's the difference between "not only do I" and "not merely do I"?

"Not only do I" suggests adding something significant, while "not merely do I" suggests surpassing a basic expectation or action. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing addition or exceeding a minimum requirement.