not only for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not only for" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to introduce something additional to the subject that has already been discussed. For example: "Jill's expertise in French history is invaluable not only for her studies, but also for her work as a tour guide in Normandy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Not only for things.

The New York Times - Magazine

Not only for the jobs.

The New York Times

And not only for her.

The New York Times - Arts

And not only for Italians.

The Economist

And not only for Americans.

The New York Times

"Not only for his teaching.

The New York Times - Arts

And not only for Spieth.

Independent

Not only for the wild card".

The New York Times

Yet pickups are not only for conservatives.

The Economist

It is meant not only for investors.

The New York Times

It was profitable not only for him.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not only for", ensure you clearly state the additional element or purpose that follows, typically introduced by "but also for".

Common error

Avoid using "not only for" without a corresponding "but also for" or similar construction to complete the parallel structure. An incomplete structure can create confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not only for" functions as a correlative conjunction, introducing the first element in a pair of related items or reasons. It sets up an expectation that a second element, often introduced by "but also," will follow. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not only for" is a versatile correlative conjunction used to introduce the first element of a pair, setting the stage for a subsequent "but also" phrase. It's grammatically sound, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, and frequently appears in diverse contexts, especially in News & Media. To use it effectively, ensure a clear follow-up with "but also" to maintain parallelism. Common errors involve omitting the "but also" clause, which can lead to ambiguity. Alternatives such as "in addition to" and "as well as for" offer similar additive meanings. When employing "not only for", strive for a formal yet accessible tone appropriate for broad audiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but also for

Emphasizes the additional element with a stronger connective.

not just for

Highlights that the element applies more broadly than initially implied.

in addition to

Focuses on the additive nature of the element.

as well as for

Highlights the inclusion of another item or purpose.

together with

Indicates a simultaneous consideration of multiple elements.

along with

Similar to "together with", but may imply less emphasis on the first element.

furthermore, for

Introduces an additional argument or reason.

moreover, for

Similar to "furthermore, for", adding extra emphasis.

besides, for

Indicates an additional point or element that supplements the initial one.

on top of that, for

Stresses the accumulative effect of an additional consideration.

FAQs

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

Use "not only for" to introduce one reason or purpose, and then follow it up with "but also for" to introduce another. For example: "This policy is beneficial "not only for" employees but also for the company's overall productivity".

What's a good alternative to "not only for"?

Alternatives include "in addition to", "as well as for", or "besides, for" depending on the context. Each subtly shifts the emphasis on the added element.

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

While it's possible to imply the second part of the correlation, it is best practice to use both "not only" and "but also" to ensure clarity and avoid grammatical ambiguity.

What is the difference between "not just for" and "not only for"?

"Not just for" emphasizes that something is applicable to more than a limited group, while "not only for" highlights that something serves multiple purposes or benefits. The phrases can be interchangeable but their nuance differs slightly.