not only very

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not only very" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a quality or characteristic that is significant or noteworthy, often in conjunction with "but also" to create a contrast. Example: "The project is not only very ambitious but also highly innovative."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is not only very beguiling, it's also very radical.

The Guardian - Books

Hard ceramics are difficult to machine because they are not only very hard but also brittle.

Principles of Modern Grinding Technology

They are not only very funny but they speak very, very fast.

The Guardian - Film

"A golf pro hits not only very hard but hits many, many times," he added.

The New York Times

Beware Grass Stains This collection is not only very white, it is only white.

The New York Times

The food at both places was, incidentally, not only very good but also apparently safe.

The New Yorker

"He was not only very patient with me, but he served as my assistant.

The New York Times

Here we have not only very detailed human remains, but excellent preservation of all their materials".

The New York Times - Science

He was not only very funny, but he had the best technique of them all".

The Guardian

"Children are not only very susceptible to their own expectations," he said in an interview.

The New York Times - Health

"It was not only very difficult but didn't really get me anywhere.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not only very" to emphasize a specific characteristic, ensuring it clearly connects to the "but also" clause for a balanced and impactful statement.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "very" as it can weaken your writing. Consider stronger, more descriptive adjectives or adverbs to convey the intended meaning more effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not only very" functions as an adverbial intensifier. It modifies an adjective or adverb to emphasize the degree or extent of a particular quality. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is indeed correct and usable in written English. Examples show it used across a spectrum of source types.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

44%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not only very" is a versatile adverbial intensifier used to emphasize qualities across a range of contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in both formal and informal settings. While "very" can sometimes be overused, employing "not only very" effectively enhances writing by highlighting specific attributes, especially when paired with "but also" to introduce additional details. To ensure maximum impact, consider stronger alternatives to "very" and tailor the phrase to suit the specific context and tone of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not only extremely

Substitutes "very" with "extremely" to increase the degree of emphasis.

not only incredibly

Intensifies the quality to an almost unbelievable degree.

not just especially

Replaces "very" with "especially" for a slightly more formal tone.

not only particularly

Specifies the quality to a greater extent, setting it apart from others.

not only notably

Emphasizes the importance or visibility of the quality.

not only exceptionally

Emphasizes the unusual or rare nature of the quality being described.

not only unusually

Focuses on how the quality deviates from the norm.

not only surprisingly

Highlights the unexpected or astonishing nature of the quality.

not only remarkably

Highlights the noteworthy or striking aspect of the quality.

not only singularly

Underscores the unique or distinct nature of the quality.

FAQs

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

The phrase "not only very" is used to emphasize a quality, typically followed by "but also" to add another related point. For example: "The book was "not only very informative", but also entertaining."

What are some alternatives to "not only very"?

You can use phrases like "not only extremely", "not only exceptionally", or "not only incredibly" to intensify the description.

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

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase is used to emphasize a characteristic and is typically followed by "but also" to introduce another point. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is indeed correct and usable in written English.

What's the difference between "not only very" and "not just very"?

Both phrases are used to emphasize a quality, but "not only very" is often considered more formal and is typically paired with "but also". "Not just very" might be perceived as slightly more informal.