not only where

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not only where" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a clause that emphasizes a location or situation in conjunction with another idea, often in a comparative or contrasting context. Example: "The research focused not only where the species thrived but also where it faced challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

College is not only where you hit the books.

The New York Times

HOME is not only where the heart is.

The New York Times

It is not only where the government borrows but also where the Fed implements monetary policy.

The Economist

It is not only where the amazing happens, but where familiarity breeds contempt.

The New York Times

Needless to say, there are huge differences between the two adaptations, and not only where musical language is concerned.

The New Yorker

They examined not only where customers finally bought hotel rooms, but which hotels they considered and spurned.

The Economist

When placing them, consider not only where you will be sitting, but also where your neighbors will be.

The New York Times

We need to look at not only where power lies, but how we use that power for everybody".

The Guardian

This is not only where we disagree but also where I find her words shortsighted and potentially damaging.

The Guardian - Opinion

Both have trouble understanding not only where their daughter's scientific gift came from but also the magnitude of her creation.

The New York Times

Great playwrights tell us not only where we are but also where we might be heading, good or bad.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not only where", ensure that you follow it with a correlative conjunction such as "but also" to create a balanced and grammatically complete sentence. This emphasizes that you are considering multiple aspects, not just the location.

Common error

Avoid using "not only where" without its corresponding "but also". Omitting the second part of the structure can make your sentence sound unfinished and unclear. Always complete the thought by indicating what else is being considered besides the location.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not only where" functions as a correlative conjunction, introducing a clause that emphasizes a location, often in conjunction with "but also" to present an additional element or aspect. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a valid construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not only where" is a frequently used phrase that serves as a correlative conjunction, typically paired with "but also" to broaden the scope of consideration beyond location. As Ludwig AI confirms, the structure is grammatically sound and versatile, lending itself well to news, science, and formal business contexts. Remembering to complete the correlative structure is a key best practice. The phrase is very common, appears in authoritative sources, and helps emphasize that factors beyond location are also important.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not just where

Replaces "only" with "just", slightly changing the emphasis but maintaining the same meaning.

not solely where

Substitutes "only" with "solely", indicating exclusivity in addition to location.

not exclusively where

Replaces "only" with "exclusively", emphasizing that the location is not the single factor.

not merely where

Uses "merely" instead of "only", suggesting that the location is an insufficient consideration on its own.

in addition to where

Emphasizes the additive nature of the location being mentioned.

besides the location of

Focuses on other aspects beyond just the geographical location.

apart from where

Highlights the consideration of elements outside the location.

not simply at the place where

Indicates that the focus extends beyond just the physical location.

not restricted to where

Suggests that the consideration isn't limited to a specific locale.

beyond just the site of

Implies that factors outside the immediate area are also important.

FAQs

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

Use "not only where" to introduce a location, followed by "but also" to introduce another related element or aspect. For example: "The analysis considered "not only where" the species thrived, but also how it adapted to its environment".

What are some alternatives to "not only where"?

You can use alternatives such as "not just where", "not solely where", or "in addition to where" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "not only where" without "but also"?

While it might be understood in informal contexts, it's grammatically preferable to use ""not only where"" with "but also" to create a complete and clear correlative structure.

What is the difference between "not only where" and "only where"?

"Not only where" indicates that there are other factors besides location to consider, while "only where" suggests that the location is the sole determining factor.