not only that

USAGE SUMMARY

"not only that" is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase is used to indicate that more information follows. For example: "I'm trying to save money to buy a car, not only that, but I'm also cutting back on non-essential purchases."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not only that: they listen.

The New Yorker

Not only that but she is stupid.

Independent

Not only that: small is happy.

The Guardian

Not only that: Mr. Anello adores fish.

The New York Times

Not only that: these "neighbours" will retaliate.

The Guardian - Books

But it is not only that area.

BBC

Not only that, not enough quality chances.

Los Angeles Times

Or not only that.

The New York Times

Not only that.

The New York Times

And not only that.

The New York Times

"But it's not only that.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not only that" to connect related ideas and build upon a previous statement, enhancing the flow and coherence of your writing. Ensure the added information provides significant additional context.

Common error

Avoid using "not only that" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure by using synonyms like "furthermore" or "in addition" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not only that" functions as a conjunctive adverb or transitional phrase. It serves to introduce additional information that reinforces or expands upon a previous statement. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not only that" is a grammatically sound and highly versatile phrase used to introduce additional information or consequences, mainly found in the News & Media category. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively connects related ideas and builds upon preceding statements. While highly useful, avoid overuse and consider alternatives such as "in addition" or "furthermore" to maintain variety. When you intend to add emphasis and elaboration, "not only that" serves as a valuable tool in your writing toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

additionally

This alternative is a more formal equivalent to "in addition".

in addition

This alternative is a more formal way to introduce additional information.

also

This alternative is simpler and less emphatic.

furthermore

This alternative is a stronger, more formal way to add a point.

moreover

This alternative is similar to 'furthermore' but slightly less emphatic.

besides

This alternative is a more informal way to introduce an additional point.

what's more

This alternative adds emphasis to the additional information.

on top of that

This alternative emphasizes the cumulative effect of the added information.

as well

This alternative is used at the end of a clause to add information.

to boot

This alternative is an informal way to add something extra.

FAQs

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

"Not only that" is used to introduce an additional piece of information that builds upon a previous statement. For example: "The car is affordable, "not only that", it's also fuel-efficient."

What are some alternatives to "not only that"?

Alternatives to "not only that" include "in addition", "furthermore", and "moreover". The choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "not only that"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "not only that" when you want to add more information to the previous sentence or point.

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

"Not only that" introduces an additional point or consequence, while "but also" is part of the correlative conjunction "not only...but also". "Not only that" can stand alone as a sentence starter, whereas "but also" requires "not only" to be used earlier in the same sentence. Example: "He is intelligent, "not only that", he is kind. He is not only intelligent but also kind."