Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
we not only
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"we not only" is a perfectly acceptable and correct phrase to use in written English.
It is used to introduce a new idea or point that follows the phrase. For example, "We not only agreed on the terms of the contract, but also agreed to meet weekly for progress updates."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Academia
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
"Obviously, we not only disagree with it.
News & Media
We not only like him.
News & Media
We not only consume; we also create.
News & Media
We not only support this, we highly encourage it!
Academia
"But we not only needed additional space, but different space".
News & Media
Clearly, we not only need knowledge, we also need ethics.
News & Media
We not only expected this, we warned about it.
News & Media
We not only approve of its existence -- we applaud it.
News & Media
We not only imagine, but create the world as we think the world should be.
We not only work toward our goals, but do so with certain core values and principles.
Academia
We recognize that we not only must govern ourselves but must be seen to govern ourselves.
Academia
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "we not only", ensure you follow it with "but also" to create a balanced and complete statement. This makes your writing clearer and more impactful.
Common error
A common mistake is to use "we not only" without the "but also" clause. This leaves the sentence incomplete and weakens the intended message. Always complete the correlative conjunction.
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "we not only" functions as a correlative conjunction, introducing the first element of a two-part statement. It sets up an expectation that will be completed by "but also", indicating that something is true in addition to something else. Ludwig confirms this usage.
Frequent in
News & Media
50%
Academia
25%
Formal & Business
10%
Less common in
Science
5%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "we not only" is a versatile correlative conjunction that introduces the first part of a dual statement, requiring completion with "but also". Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correct usage across various contexts, primarily in News & Media and Academia. When using this phrase, remember to always include "but also" to avoid grammatical errors and ensure clarity. Consider alternatives like "not only do we" or "we also" depending on the desired emphasis and formality. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "we not only" to enhance your writing.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
not only do we
Inverts the phrase structure while maintaining the same core meaning.
we do more than just
Emphasizes the 'more than' aspect, focusing on exceeding a basic action.
furthermore we
Introduces an additional point that supports the previous statement.
moreover we
Similar to 'furthermore', adding extra weight to the existing information.
in addition to
Highlights the additive nature of the actions or qualities.
we go beyond
Suggests exceeding expectations or limitations.
we also
A simpler, more direct way of expressing an additional action or quality.
we even
Highlights something surprising or unexpected that is also done.
besides that we
Indicates something further being added to what was already mentioned.
not just us
Shifts the focus to the subject, emphasizing that others are also involved.
FAQs
How to use "we not only" in a sentence?
The phrase "we not only" is used to introduce the first part of a two-part statement. It must be followed by "but also" to complete the sentence. For example: "We not only need to address the symptoms, but also the underlying cause."
What can I say instead of "we not only"?
You can use alternatives like "not only do we", "we also", or "in addition to" depending on the context.
Which is correct, "we not only" or "not only we"?
Both phrases can be correct, but they require different sentence structures. "We not only" is followed by a verb, whereas "Not only do we" requires an inversion of the subject and auxiliary verb. The first structure is more common.
What's the difference between "we not only" and "we also"?
"We also" is a simpler way to add information. "We not only... but also..." emphasizes that there are two distinct and noteworthy aspects to the statement, often implying a sense of surprise or exceeding expectations.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested