not only to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not only to" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to indicate that there is more than one reason why something is being done. For example: "I went to the store not only to buy food, but also to pick up some cleaning supplies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And coming not only to them.

The New York Times - Books

It applies not only to the defendants.

The New York Times

Not only to Denmark.

The New York Times

Justice not only to punish the guilty.

The Guardian

But surely not only to Germans?

The Guardian - Opinion

It's not only to protect my son.

The Guardian - Opinion

But Tureck's dedication was not only to Bach.

The Guardian

The differences are due not only to natural developmental variation.

The New York Times

She refused, not only to confess but to give up.

The New York Times

"Your eyes ought not only to be dry, but glad.

The New Yorker

The Duccio was being offered not only to the Met.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not only to", ensure you follow it with "but also to" to maintain a balanced and grammatically correct sentence. This construction emphasizes that both elements are important.

Common error

Avoid using "not only" without the corresponding "but also". Omitting "but also" can make your sentence grammatically incorrect and less effective in conveying the intended meaning. For example, instead of "I went to the store not only to buy milk", use "I went to the store not only to buy milk, but also to get bread".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not only to" functions as a correlative conjunction, specifically the first part of the "not only… but also" construction. It introduces one element or reason in a series, indicating that there's another element or reason to follow. Ludwig examples demonstrate usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not only to" is a versatile correlative conjunction used to introduce the first part of a two-part construction, suggesting that another related element will follow. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is crucial to complete the structure with "but also to" for grammatical correctness and clarity. This phrase is commonly found in news, scientific, and formal business contexts, making it suitable for various writing styles. Remember to use it to add depth and complexity to your sentences. It signals that you are presenting multiple facets of an idea.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but also to

The phrase "but also to" is typically used to complete the "not only to" construction, reinforcing the dual aspect.

not just to

Focuses on expanding the scope beyond a single element.

in addition to

Emphasizes the additive nature, focusing on what is being added.

as well as

Highlights the inclusion of something else alongside the primary subject.

besides

Suggests an additional element is present.

along with

Suggests the inclusion of something alongside the primary focus.

moreover

Indicates an additional point is being made.

furthermore

Similar to moreover, but often used to add a more significant point.

together with

Similar to "along with", suggesting combined consideration.

coupled with

Highlights that two things are connected or happen together.

FAQs

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

The phrase "not only to" is used to introduce one item in a series, with a subsequent item introduced by "but also to". For example: "She went to the library "not only to" study, but also to borrow books".

What's a synonym for "not only to"?

Alternatives to "not only to" include phrases such as "in addition to", "as well as", or "besides", depending on the context.

How does "not only to" differ from "just to"?

"Not only to" implies an addition or secondary purpose, whereas "just to" indicates the sole or primary purpose. The distinction lies in whether there are multiple aspects being considered or a single, specific intent. For example, I called "just to" say hello, vs. I called "not only to" say hello, but also to ask a question.

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

While it may be understood, it is grammatically preferable to pair "not only" with "but also" to create a complete and balanced sentence structure. Omitting "but also" can make the sentence feel incomplete and less impactful. For instance, it is preferable to say "She is "not only" intelligent but also kind" instead of "She is "not only" intelligent".