not only then

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not only then" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a point that adds to a previous statement, often in a context where you are emphasizing that something applies at a specific time and also in other situations. Example: "Not only then did we face challenges, but we also found opportunities for growth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Sometimes he was exquisitely kind to Greta — especially in sex, but not only then.

The New Yorker

We showed a bit of what we had against France and not only then, throughout the two years.

The Guardian - Sport

Not only, then, did Mr. Armstrong have to act a part, he had to produce and pay for certain key scenes — footing the bill for parties and shopping sprees.

The New York Times

Not only, then, is the Dominican Republic taking racist action – even if that isn't the government's intention – it is doing so in a way liable to open the flood gates to corruption, bribery and extortion.

The Guardian - Opinion

Not only, then, is Pingu not meant for children, it actively warns against having them, a bold and indeed necessary argument to make in our desperate age of overpopulation.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"In my less critical moments (although not only then)," he writes in "A Mathematician Plays the Stock Market," "I mentally amalgamate the royalties from this book, whose writing was prompted in part by my investing misadventure, with my WCOM losses".

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Not only original then, but apt too.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

For a variety of reasons, including not only the then nascent Asia-Pacific Pivot but also the future of Afghanistan once the central US role there ends.

Huffington Post

He lifted his father's hand and when it did not move, only then did he realize.

The New York Times

Once the teacher knows they threw the first punch, not you, only then can you make your attack.

WikiHow

It is worth noting that not only right-then-left but also left-then-right stimuli were delivered in a randomized order as bilateral stimuli, and not only left-then-left but also right-then-right stimuli were delivered as unilateral stimuli.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not only then" to add an extra layer of information or consequence to a previously stated point, emphasizing that the initial condition isn't the sole factor.

Common error

Avoid using "not only then" when a simpler conjunction would suffice; ensure it adds genuine emphasis and isn't just a stylistic flourish.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not only then" functions as an adjunct, modifying a clause by adding a condition related to time. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in introducing an additional element beyond a specific moment. Examples show it often precedes a clause that introduces another aspect or consequence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not only then" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that functions as an adjunct to add an extra condition related to time. It serves to emphasize the continuation or expansion of a situation beyond a particular moment and Ludwig AI analysis confirms its valid use across different sources. While its register is neutral to formal, it is frequently used in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure it genuinely adds emphasis and isn't merely stylistic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not exclusively then

Replaces "only" with "exclusively", emphasizing that something isn't limited to that time.

not just then

Substitutes "only" with "just", offering a more casual alternative.

not solely then

Replaces "only" with "solely", highlighting that something isn't the single factor.

not merely then

Uses "merely" instead of "only", suggesting the initial point is an understatement.

but also then

Reorders the phrase to emphasize the 'also' aspect in conjunction with 'then'.

not simply then

Replaces "only" with "simply", indicating the initial point is basic.

and also at that time

Expands the phrase for clarity, using "at that time" instead of "then".

not uniquely then

Substitutes "only" with "uniquely", stressing that something isn't confined to that period.

not specifically then

Replaces "only" with "specifically", pinpointing that something isn't just for that time.

not restricted to then

Rephrases to emphasize that something isn't limited to a specific time.

FAQs

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

Use "not only then" to add an additional point or consequence to a previous statement, for example, "Not only then did we face challenges, but we also found opportunities for growth."

What phrases can I use instead of "not only then"?

You can use alternatives like "not just then", "not exclusively then", or "and also at that time" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "not only then"?

Yes, "not only then" is grammatically correct and can be used to introduce an additional point or consequence.

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

"Not only then" emphasizes the timing or circumstance of the additional point, while "not only but also" introduces an additional element or fact without necessarily focusing on timing. They serve different purposes depending on your intent.