not only really

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not only really" is not standard in written English and may sound awkward or unclear.
It can be used in informal contexts where emphasis is needed, but it is better to use more conventional phrases for clarity. Example: "She is not only really talented but also incredibly hardworking."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"I thought, This person is not only really funny, but he's really nice," Ms. Meltzer recalled.

The New York Times

"Curtis is not only really respected and liked by his teammates, but the whole coaching staff and management".

The New York Times - Sports

I came to see that I not only really loved this woman — the solid, thoughtful and loving person she was — but, in addition, I also needed her.

The New York Times

So I was delighted to not only really enjoy it, but win my age group, a voucher, and a hug from a Womble.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They knew that their kids would be swiping and clicking soon enough, but there are only a limited number of childhood years when it's not only really fun to build with Legos, it's also really good for you.

The Washington Post

In a world of Pro-Tooled precision, they're a band who can not only really play but are prepared to take risks onstage for the sheer hell of it.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

It isn't only really important to mentally transport yourself, but really entertaining.

Huffington Post

"The team not only plays really good football, but the squad is really good and we can win silverware.

BBC

Compost that becomes anaerobic not only smells really bad, it also generates acids that can actually slow the breakdown of food waste.

Huffington Post

Soon, experiencing the benefits of the flowing Verbaluce™ in our drips, we were not only fucking really well but also talking pretty great.

The New Yorker

I've got to say he's not only a really good writer but one of the nicest people I've known.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "not only really" can add emphasis, consider using stronger or more precise adjectives to enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid stacking adverbs like "really" with "not only" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound redundant. Choose more descriptive language instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not only really" functions as a compound conjunction to introduce an additional, often surprising, attribute or characteristic. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase may sound awkward. It amplifies the following adjective or statement, adding emphasis.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not only really" serves to emphasize a particular quality or characteristic. While grammatically acceptable, Ludwig AI indicates that its usage can be perceived as somewhat awkward, particularly in formal contexts. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media sources, with a neutral-to-informal register. When using "not only really", consider whether stronger or more precise wording would enhance clarity and impact. Alternatives like "not just truly" may offer a more refined tone. As with any linguistic choice, consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not just truly

Replaces "really" with "truly" for a more formal tone.

not merely very

Substitutes "really" with "very" and "only" with "merely", softening the emphasis slightly.

not only actually

Replaces "really" with "actually" for added emphasis on truth.

not only genuinely

Uses "genuinely" instead of "really" to indicate sincerity.

not only seriously

Emphasizes the significant aspect of a situation.

not only in fact

Adds 'in fact' for stronger affirmation.

not just indeed

Replaces "only really" with "just indeed", providing a sense of agreement.

not only especially

Focuses on a particular aspect that stands out.

not only particularly

Highlights a specific characteristic.

not only notably

Draws attention to something worth mentioning.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "not only really" for better clarity?

Consider using alternatives like "not just truly" or restructuring the sentence to emphasize the key adjective directly.

Is "not only really" grammatically incorrect?

While not strictly incorrect, "not only really" is considered by some to be stylistically awkward. Stronger phrasing is often preferred for formal writing.

What's the difference between "not only really" and "not only actually"?

"Not only really" emphasizes the degree of something, while "not only actually" asserts the truth or factuality of a statement.

When is it appropriate to use "not only really"?

It is suitable for informal contexts where you want to add emphasis. However, be mindful of your audience and choose more precise language for formal settings.