not only when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not only when" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
For example: I believe we should consider the consequences of our actions, not only when they are immediate, but also in the long term.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And not only when he shaves.

The New York Times

Not only when I'm young but when I'm old, too".

The New Yorker

It's not only when the brain is doing something performing cognitive tasks that's interesting to Spreng.

Cornell University

It's not only when he leaves power that matters, but how.

The New York Times

… I couldn't get a bank loan, not only when I started, but years later.

The New York Times

Edwards's visual schema in "Godzilla" is ample and grand, and not only when giant creatures arrive.

The New Yorker

Mr. Blaine's timing was perfect and not only when it came to percussion.

The New York Times - Books

It's not only when you book, but when you choose to fly.

The New York Times - Travel

The key is not only when to go, but being close enough for it to work".

The New York Times - Sports

But he faced death with defiance not only when he was dying.

The New York Times - Books

His words drift far from reality, and not only when talking about the Senate Banking Committee.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not only when", ensure you follow it with "but also" to create a balanced and complete comparison. This clarifies that the situation applies in more than one instance.

Common error

Avoid omitting the "but also" clause after "not only when". This omission leaves the sentence incomplete and can confuse the reader, failing to emphasize the additional scenarios where the statement holds true.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not only when" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase, introducing a condition and implying that another condition will follow, usually connected by "but also". Ludwig provides examples across different contexts, confirming its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

31%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not only when" is a versatile and grammatically correct conjunction phrase used to broaden the scope of a statement beyond a single condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, from news and media to scientific and academic writing. To ensure clarity and completeness, always pair "not only when" with a "but also" clause. Remember to use "not only when" to emphasize that a condition is relevant in multiple scenarios, not just one. The phrase's prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and effectiveness in formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not just when

Replaces "only" with "just", slightly softening the emphasis on exclusivity.

not solely when

Substitutes "only" with "solely", emphasizing that the condition is not the single factor.

not exclusively when

Uses "exclusively" instead of "only", stressing that it happens in other circumstances too.

not merely when

Replaces "only" with "merely", suggesting that there's more to the situation than just that time.

not simply when

Changes "only" to "simply", indicating that other factors are also at play.

especially, but not only, when

Adds "especially" to highlight a particular instance before broadening the scope.

particularly, but not only, when

Similar to the previous, "particularly" specifies a key instance alongside others.

not uniquely when

Emphasizes that the condition isn't unique to the specified time.

not just in the event that

Expands "when" into a more formal phrase "in the event that", while keeping the meaning close.

not limited to when

Explicitly states that the condition is not restricted to the time mentioned.

FAQs

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

The phrase "not only when" introduces one situation, suggesting another will follow using "but also". For example: "It's important to stay hydrated, "not only when" you're exercising, but also throughout the day".

What phrases are similar to "not only when"?

Similar phrases include "not just when", "not solely when", or "not exclusively when", which all broaden the context beyond a single condition.

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

Yes, "not only when" is grammatically sound when used with a corresponding "but also" clause to present a balanced comparison.

What's the difference between "not only when" and "especially when"?

"Not only when" indicates multiple conditions, whereas "especially when" highlights a particular situation. "Especially when" focuses on emphasizing a specific context, unlike "not only" that broadens it.