that not only

USAGE SUMMARY

"that not only" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to introduce a phrase that emphasizes something else. Example: The theater was so popular, that not only did it sell out every night, but it also had a long waiting list of patrons hoping to get tickets.

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He planned events and themed parties that not only were entertaining but also brought people together.

Stanford University

I consider that, not only a marvel but a miracle of science.

Stanford University

She understands how to make clothes that not only look rich, but flatter the body.

The New York Times

We need resilient communities that not only survive, but thrive.

HuffPost

Anything else than that: Not only chatting.

WikiHow

That not only upset Coach K. C.

The New York Times - Sports

He warned that not only newspapers would be affected.

The Guardian

That not only saves fuel but allows other improvements.

The Economist

It is shown that not only the starting point of a crack can be selected.

Materials Science and Engineering: A

It is desirable that not only authorities but also citizens become concerned about science and technology.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

The result is a book that not only moves the reader but also informs and entertains.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone you want to establish. "That not only" can sound formal, so adjust your surrounding language to match.

Common error

A common mistake is using "that not only" without completing the construction with a "but also" clause. This leaves the sentence incomplete and weakens the intended emphasis. Always ensure both parts of the correlative conjunction are present to maintain grammatical correctness and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that not only" functions as a correlative conjunction introducing one part of a two-part statement, typically followed by "but also". According to Ludwig AI, the phrase emphasizes something else and can often introduce surprising or emphatic information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

23%

News & Media

43%

Science

34%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that not only" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed construction used to emphasize a point when paired with "but also". Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and utility in adding emphasis. It appears in varied contexts, including academic, news, and scientific writing, with a neutral tone. Remember to always complete the construction with "but also" to maintain clarity and grammatical correctness. Alternative phrases like "not just that" may offer a less formal way to express similar ideas. Ensure that your surrounding language matches the level of formality established by "that not only".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not just that

Emphasizes a singular aspect, but less formal.

not merely that

Implies the preceding point is insufficient on its own.

beyond just that

Suggests a more extensive scope than "that not only".

more than simply that

Adds complexity by highlighting the simplicity of the initial aspect.

it also implies that

Focuses on the implicit meaning or consequence.

in addition to that

A more direct and less nuanced way of adding information.

furthermore

A formal transition word to introduce additional information.

moreover

Similar to 'furthermore' but may carry a slightly stronger emphasis.

what's more

An idiomatic way to add an extra point, typically something surprising.

to top it all off

An informal idiom used to emphasize a final, often dramatic, addition.

FAQs

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

Use "that not only" to introduce the first part of a two-part statement. It should always be followed by "but also" to complete the thought. For example, "That not only surprised me, but also made me reconsider my position".

What phrases are similar to "that not only"?

Similar phrases include "not just that", "not merely that", and "in addition to that". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "that not only"?

Starting a sentence with "that not only" is grammatically acceptable, but it is important to follow it with "but also" later in the sentence to maintain the proper structure and meaning. For instance, "That not only is an option, but it is also the best one".

What's the difference between "that not only" and "not only"?

"That not only" emphasizes a specific preceding point or situation, whereas "not only" is more general. "That not only" refers back to something already mentioned, while "not only" can introduce a new idea.