not only does

USAGE SUMMARY

"not only does" is correct and usable in written English.
You would use it to introduce two ideas in the same sentence, or two verb phrases. For example: "Not only does he help out around the house, he also goes above and beyond to help out his neighbors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Not only does St.

The New York Times

Not only does it lack coherent supervision.

The Economist

Not only does she not quit.

The New York Times

Not only does he produce the best.

The New York Times - Sports

Not only does each have a private Austen.

The New York Times - Books

Not only does it remain: it thrives; it grows.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Not only do they disagree.

The Economist

Not only did L.S.U.

The New York Times - Sports

Not only did they block most reforms.

The Economist

Not only did I grope him.

The New York Times

Not only did these insensitive comments hurt.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not only does", ensure that the second part of the statement (introduced by "but also") logically follows and enhances the first point. This creates a stronger impact and emphasizes both aspects.

Common error

Avoid using "not only does" without a corresponding "but also". The structure should maintain grammatical parallelism for clarity and emphasis. For instance, use "Not only does it improve efficiency, but it also reduces costs" instead of "Not only does it improve efficiency, it also reduces costs."

Linguistic Context

"Not only does" functions as an introductory phrase that emphasizes two related facts or actions, creating a stronger impact than simply listing them. It signals that the following statement is not the sole aspect to consider. As Ludwig AI confirms, it adheres to standard grammatical rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Not only does" is a versatile introductory phrase used to emphasize the connection between two related points. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and its prevalence in news, academic, and scientific sources suggests a neutral to formal register. To maximize impact, ensure the second part of the statement (introduced by "but also") logically builds upon the first. Common errors include incomplete parallel structure, where the "but also" is omitted, weakening the statement. Alternative phrases like "furthermore" or "moreover" can be used, although they lack the same emphatic effect. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "not only does" to create stronger and more persuasive statements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moreover

Similar to 'furthermore' but can also introduce an equivalent point.

furthermore

Introduces a point that builds upon the previous one, implying logical progression.

not just

Highlights something is not limited to one aspect, but is less emphatic than "not only".

in addition to

Focuses on adding something more, rather than emphasizing two aspects as a pair.

as well as

Connects elements, but does not carry the same emphasis as 'not only'.

besides that

Adds a separate, additional point, often less integrated into the main sentence structure.

what's more

Informal way to introduce an additional point, indicating it is noteworthy.

in addition

Simply adds another element without the emphasis.

on top of that

Suggests an additional burden or benefit is being added.

to boot

An informal way of saying 'in addition', often implying surprise or excess.

FAQs

How to use "not only does" in a sentence?

The phrase "not only does" introduces the first part of a two-part statement where both parts are true or significant. The second part is typically introduced by "but also". For example, "Not only does it rain, but it also pours".

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

You can use alternatives like "in addition to", "besides that", or "furthermore" to introduce an additional point or consequence.

Is it correct to use "not only does" without "but also"?

While it's grammatically acceptable to omit "but also", doing so weakens the emphasis and connection between the two parts of the statement. For clarity and impact, it's best to include both.

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

"Not only does" emphasizes the addition of a significant point, while "not just" simply indicates that something is not limited to one aspect. "Not only does it help, but it also solves the problem" implies a greater impact than "It's not just helpful".