not only would

USAGE SUMMARY

"not only would" is correct and usable in written English.
You would use it when you want to emphasize the possibility or an outcome, or to emphasize the degree of something. For example, "Not only would I be able to increase profits, but I could also reduce costs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not only would this throw good money after bad.

The Economist

Not only would his presidency be gravely weakened at home.

Independent

Not only would a Mini be easier to operate.

The New Yorker

Not only would this be anti-constitutional, it argues.

The Economist

Then, not only would your cells sizzle with electricity, but even your clothing would chime in.

The New York Times

Not only would this benefit your health, but your meals will taste better too.

The Guardian

Not only would a stranger make her feel uncomfortable — imagine the cost!

The New Yorker

Not only would asking about it have been a trespass, I really preferred not to know.

The New York Times

"Not only would we welcome them; we encourage them to get involved," Mr. Relman said.

The New York Times

Not only would that mean increasing the Kurds' chances of holding on to the provincial council.

The Economist

Not only would that ensure that the treaty was implemented at minimum cost.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not only would", ensure you follow it with "but also" to create a balanced and complete sentence. This structure emphasizes both conditions or consequences you are presenting.

Common error

A common mistake is omitting the "but also" portion of the correlative conjunction. Always complete the structure to avoid grammatical incompleteness and maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not only would" functions as a correlative conjunction, introducing the first part of a two-part statement. It sets up a condition or consequence that is then expanded upon with a "but also" clause. Ludwig shows numerous examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not only would" is a versatile correlative conjunction frequently used to emphasize multiple consequences or conditions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and best used when followed by a "but also" clause to complete the structure. Its register is neutral, fitting various contexts from news articles to everyday conversations. To enhance your writing, remember to complete the correlative structure and avoid the common error of omitting the "but also" phrase. With its high frequency and clear function, mastering "not only would" can significantly enhance your writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not only that, it would

Similar to the original phrase, but emphasizes the "that" clause, creating a slightly different focus.

it would also

This is a more straightforward way of adding an additional consequence or action.

furthermore, it would

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the continuation of a line of reasoning or consequence.

moreover, it would

Similar to "furthermore", but with a slightly stronger emphasis on the additional point being significant.

it would also then

Adds a sense of sequence or progression to the additional consequence.

in addition to that, it would

This alternative explicitly adds another condition or result, emphasizing the additive nature.

as well as that, it would

Indicates that something else also happens or is true, in addition to what has already been mentioned.

besides that, it would

A more informal way of adding another point or consequence.

to add to that, it would

Emphasizes the act of adding another point, rather than just stating it.

on top of that, it would

Emphasizes the cumulative effect of the additional condition, suggesting it's added to an already existing situation.

FAQs

How do I use "not only would" in a sentence?

Use "not only would" to introduce the first part of a two-part statement, emphasizing that something else is also true or will happen. For example, "Not only would this benefit your health, but your meals will taste better too."

What can I say instead of "not only would"?

You can use alternatives such as "in addition to that", "furthermore", or "moreover" to introduce an additional point or consequence.

Which is correct, "not only would" or "not only will"?

Both are grammatically correct, but they imply different tenses and conditions. "Not only would" suggests a hypothetical or conditional situation, while "not only will" indicates a future certainty.

What's the difference between "not only would" and "not only does"?

"Not only would" is used for conditional or hypothetical situations, while "not only does" is used for present or factual statements. For example, "Not only does he sing well, but he also plays the guitar."