What Does “Not Only” Mean?
“Not only” is a correlative conjunction used to emphasize a point and show that two elements are closely related. Typically followed by “but also,” it adds emphasis and indicates that both ideas carry importance. For example, “She is not only intelligent but also hardworking.”
The structure enhances the impact of a statement by introducing an element of surprise or contrast. It implies that the first part is impressive, but the second part adds even more value or significance. This phrase is widely used in both written and spoken English.
You’ll find “not only” in professional, academic, and casual settings due to its versatility and clarity. However, it’s important to use it correctly to avoid grammatical confusion and maintain sentence balance.
Is It Professional/Polite to Say “Not Only”?
Yes, “not only” is both professional and polite when used appropriately. It is frequently seen in formal writing such as academic papers, business communications, and technical documentation. The key is maintaining proper parallel structure to keep the sentence polished and professional.
In casual conversations, it adds emphasis without sounding too stiff. For example, “He’s not only funny but also very kind.” The tone is friendly and respectful, making it suitable for most social and work-related situations.
That said, in some contexts, simpler alternatives may be preferred to avoid sounding overly formal or verbose. It’s always wise to consider your audience and the tone of the communication when choosing phrases.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using “Not Only”
Advantages
Using “not only” adds emphasis and depth to your statements. It signals that there is more than one important quality or fact to consider. For example, “She not only leads the team but also mentors new employees.” This gives the subject a more dynamic and multifaceted portrayal.
Another benefit is sentence variety. Instead of using simple conjunctions like “and,” you create a richer and more engaging structure. This is particularly valuable in academic or professional writing, where clear and elegant expression matters.
Finally, “not only” can make writing more persuasive. By highlighting multiple strengths or aspects, it strengthens your argument and helps convince the reader or listener.
Disadvantages
One downside is the risk of grammatical errors. If the sentence lacks parallel structure, it can confuse the reader. For example, “She not only enjoys reading but also to write” is incorrect.
Another issue is that it can sound overly formal or dramatic if overused, especially in casual conversation. Simpler alternatives might feel more natural and relatable.
Finally, in fast-paced communication like emails or text messages, complex structures using “not only” may disrupt readability. Shorter, clearer phrases are often more effective in these settings.
Synonyms of “Not Only”
1. Not Just
2. Not Simply
3. Not Exclusively
4. Not Only… But Also
5. Not To Mention
6. Not Least
7. Not Without
8. In Addition to
9. As Well As
10. Along with
11. Combined with
12. Together with
13. Coupled with
14. Plus
15. With the Addition of
16. In Conjunction with
17. As Well
18. In Parallel with
19. In Tandem with
20. With
21. Alongside
22. Together
23. Simultaneously with
24. With Respect to
25. In the Same Vein
26. As a Complement to
27. In the Context of
28. In Light of
29. In Addition
30. As Much as
30 Other Ways to Say “Not Only”
1. Not Just
Definition: Indicates there’s more than what was initially stated.
Explanation: Similar to “not only,” it introduces the first part of a two-part thought.
Scenario Example: “Not just the director, but the entire crew worked overtime.”
Tone: Casual to neutral.
Meaning: Implies an addition or extension.
Origin: Modern colloquial English.
Use: Suitable for both informal and formal contexts.
2. Not Simply
Definition: Suggests something is more complex than it seems.
Explanation: Highlights deeper or additional elements.
Scenario Example: “She’s not simply a student; she’s a researcher too.”
Tone: Reflective or explanatory.
Meaning: Indicates depth or nuance.
Origin: Derived from rhetorical use in English literature.
Use: Good for essays and presentations.
3. Not Exclusively
Definition: Denotes that something isn’t limited to just one thing.
Explanation: Adds scope and breadth.
Scenario Example: “Not exclusively for children, this movie entertains adults too.”
Tone: Objective and informative.
Meaning: Expands audience or relevance.
Origin: Academic English.
Use: Ideal for formal writing.
4. Not Only… But Also
Definition: Emphasizes two equally important points.
Explanation: A classic structure in English for dual emphasis.
Scenario Example: “He not only passed the test but also topped the class.”
Tone: Strong and balanced.
Meaning: Expresses dual achievements or facts.
Origin: Traditional English grammar.
Use: Common in formal writing.
5. Not To Mention
Definition: Introduces an additional item, often surprisingly.
Explanation: Adds value to the prior clause.
Scenario Example: “It’s costly, not to mention time-consuming.”
Tone: Conversational and dramatic.
Meaning: Brings added emphasis.
Origin: Old English idiomatic use.
Use: Useful in storytelling and persuasive writing.
6. Not Least
Definition: Points out something important among others.
Explanation: Emphasizes significance within a group.
Scenario Example: “There were many issues, not least the budget cuts.”
Tone: Formal.
Meaning: Underlines importance.
Origin: British English.
Use: Best for academic or journalistic writing.
7. Not Without
Definition: Implies something exists, but with conditions.
Explanation: Adds a caveat or side note.
Scenario Example: “His plan was not without flaws.”
Tone: Cautious or nuanced.
Meaning: Suggests presence of drawbacks.
Origin: Classical rhetoric.
Use: Ideal for critical analysis.
8. In Addition to
Definition: Adds more information to the existing idea.
Explanation: Simple and direct conjunction.
Scenario Example: “In addition to speaking Spanish, she knows French.”
Tone: Neutral and clear.
Meaning: Highlights extra skill or fact.
Origin: Latin-based usage.
Use: Common in resumes and formal writing.
9. As Well As
Definition: Jo cheez pehle mention hui ho, uske sath kuch aur bhi add karna.
Explanation: Ye conjunction do cheezon ko ek sath jodta hai, aur pehle wali cheez ko emphasize karta hai.
Scenario Example: “She plays the guitar as well as the piano.”
Tone: Neutral
Meaning: Additional information provide karta hai.
Origin: Modern English usage
Use: Ye casual or formal dono tariko se use hota hai, khaas kar when listing talents ya attributes.
10. Along with
Definition: Kisi aur cheez ko include karte hue.
Explanation: Ye phrase additional element ko present karta hai jo pehle se mention ho chuka ho.
Scenario Example: “She went to the park along with her brother.”
Tone: Casual to neutral
Meaning: Additional inclusion batata hai.
Origin: Old English idiomatic phrase
Use: Ye informal aur formal dono situations mein use hota hai.
11. Combined with
Definition: Jab do cheezon ko ek sath mila diya jaye.
Explanation: Ye phrase tab use hota hai jab kisi cheez ko dusri cheez ke sath combine kiya jaata hai.
Scenario Example: “Her skills, combined with her dedication, make her a great leader.”
Tone: Formal
Meaning: Two elements combined ke baare mein batata hai.
Origin: Modern academic usage
Use: Ye formal writing mein zyada use hota hai, khaas kar presentations ya reports mein.
12. Together with
Definition: Kisi aur cheez ke sath.
Explanation: Similar to “along with,” lekin thoda zyada emphasis deta hai.
Scenario Example: “Together with his team, he completed the project on time.”
Tone: Neutral to formal
Meaning: Emphasizes the collective effort or combination.
Origin: Latin influence on English
Use: Mostly formal writing mein use hota hai.
13. Coupled with
Definition: Do cheezon ka ek sath hona.
Explanation: Jab do cheezein ya conditions ek sath hoti hain, toh ye phrase use hota hai.
Scenario Example: “The storm, coupled with the flood, caused widespread damage.”
Tone: Formal
Meaning: Two things together, often with a cause and effect relationship.
Origin: Middle English
Use: Ye formal aur academic writing mein zyada use hota hai.
14. Plus
Definition: Additional, extra ya something more.
Explanation: “Plus” ek simple aur informal way hai add karne ka.
Scenario Example: “You get a free drink, plus a discount on your next purchase.”
Tone: Informal
Meaning: Extra information dena.
Origin: Latin “plus” (meaning more)
Use: Common in marketing or casual communication.
15. With the Addition of
Definition: Jab kuch aur add kiya jaye.
Explanation: Ye phrase ek aur cheez add karne ko describe karta hai.
Scenario Example: “The team, with the addition of two new players, is stronger than ever.”
Tone: Formal
Meaning: Additional element batata hai.
Origin: English grammar
Use: Formal writing jaise business reports mein istemal hota hai.
16. In Conjunction with
Definition: Jab do cheezon ko sath mein consider kiya jaye.
Explanation: Formal way to express the idea of things working together.
Scenario Example: “The research was conducted in conjunction with several universities.”
Tone: Very formal
Meaning: Ek saath kaam karte hue.
Origin: Latin “conjunctio” (to join together)
Use: Formal aur legal contexts mein use hota hai.
17. As Well
Definition: Kuch aur batane ka tariqa.
Explanation: “As well” ka use ek additional fact ya element ko introduce karne ke liye hota hai.
Scenario Example: “She sings as well as dances.”
Tone: Neutral
Meaning: Additional information dena.
Origin: Old English
Use: Common in both formal and informal speech.
18. In Parallel with
Definition: Do cheezon ka ek hi direction mein chalna.
Explanation: Jab do cheezon ko parallel terms mein express kiya jata hai.
Scenario Example: “Her career developed in parallel with technological advancements.”
Tone: Formal
Meaning: Similar development ya progression.
Origin: Mathematical concept, now used in general English.
Use: Professional or academic writing mein zyada hota hai.
19. In Tandem with
Definition: Do cheezon ka ek saath chalna.
Explanation: Jab do cheezein ek hi time par sath-sath hoti hain.
Scenario Example: “The new software works in tandem with existing tools.”
Tone: Formal
Meaning: Things happening simultaneously.
Origin: French word “tandem” meaning at the same time.
Use: Engineering, technical fields, or formal writing mein istemal hota hai.
20. With
Definition: Kuch ko add karte hue.
Explanation: Ye ek simple word hai jo additional information dene ka kaam karta hai.
Scenario Example: “He came with his brother.”
Tone: Informal to neutral
Meaning: Simple addition.
Origin: Old English
Use: Daily conversations mein sabse zyada use hota hai.
21. Alongside
Definition: Kisi cheez ke sath ya uske barabar.
Explanation: Ye phrase do cheezon ko ek saath ya ek hi level par jodne ke liye use hota hai.
Scenario Example: “She worked alongside her colleague to finish the project.”
Tone: Neutral to formal
Meaning: Sathi hone ki feeling, ya kisi cheez ke sath hona.
Origin: Old English word “long” meaning along, and “side” meaning beside.
Use: Formal settings mein zyada use hota hai, jaise reports ya teamwork contexts mein.
22. Together
Definition: Ek sath, ek hi waqt mein.
Explanation: Ye word indicate karta hai ki do ya zyada cheezein ya log ek saath kaam kar rahe hain.
Scenario Example: “We can solve this problem together.”
Tone: Casual to neutral
Meaning: Ek sath kaam karna.
Origin: Old English “togædere,” meaning in one place.
Use: Common usage, informal aur formal dono contexts mein.
23. Simultaneously with
Definition: Ek hi waqt mein, ek saath.
Explanation: Ye phrase use hota hai jab do cheezein ek hi samay mein ho rahi ho.
Scenario Example: “The video and audio were played simultaneously with the presentation.”
Tone: Formal
Meaning: Ek saath hone ka concept.
Origin: Latin “simul” meaning at the same time.
Use: Zyada tar technical ya scientific writing mein use hota hai.
24. With Respect to
Definition: Kisi specific topic ya subject ke liye.
Explanation: Ye phrase particular subject ko reference karte hue kisi cheez ko batata hai.
Scenario Example: “With respect to your question, the answer is quite simple.”
Tone: Formal
Meaning: Kisi specific matter ko refer karna.
Origin: Latin origins, often used in academic writing.
Use: Formal discussions aur business correspondence mein zyada istemal hota hai.
25. In the Same Vein
Definition: Similar, ek hi type ka.
Explanation: Jab koi baat ya cheez kisi dusri cheez ke similar ho.
Scenario Example: “In the same vein, he also completed his internship at a different company.”
Tone: Neutral to formal
Meaning: Similarity ya ek jaisi baat ko express karna.
Origin: Early English usage, referring to a vein or line of thought.
Use: Formal aur informal contexts mein use hota hai.
26. As a Complement to
Definition: Kisi cheez ke sath mil kar, uski support karte hue.
Explanation: Jab ek cheez dusri cheez ko enhance kar rahi ho.
Scenario Example: “Her skills in design serve as a complement to his technical knowledge.”
Tone: Formal
Meaning: Ek cheez ko support ya enhance karna.
Origin: Latin “complementum” meaning completion.
Use: Academic aur professional writing mein zyada istemal hota hai.
27. In the Context of
Definition: Kisi cheez ka background ya framework.
Explanation: Ye phrase tab use hota hai jab koi baat kisi specific context mein samjhayi jati hai.
Scenario Example: “In the context of recent events, this decision makes sense.”
Tone: Formal
Meaning: Specific context ya situation ko reference karna.
Origin: Modern academic usage.
Use: Formal writing, jaise reports, articles, aur academic papers mein use hota hai.
28. In Light of
Definition: Kisi recent cheez ya event ke baad.
Explanation: Ye phrase new information ko refer karta hai, jo kisi cheez ko samajhne mein madad karta hai.
Scenario Example: “In light of the recent survey results, we will change our approach.”
Tone: Formal
Meaning: Recent developments ke roshni mein.
Origin: Late Middle English “in light of” meaning considering.
Use: Formal aur professional settings mein use hota hai.
29. In Addition
Definition: Kuch aur add karte hue.
Explanation: Ye phrase additional information provide karta hai.
Scenario Example: “In addition to his salary, he also gets a bonus.”
Tone: Neutral
Meaning: Additional factor ko include karna.
Origin: Latin “additio” meaning addition.
Use: Informal aur formal contexts mein use hota hai.
30. As Much as
Definition: Utni hi, jitni.
Explanation: Ye phrase compare karte waqt use hota hai jab kisi cheez ko kisi aur cheez ke barabar dikhaya jaye.
Scenario Example: “He is as much a leader as a team player.”
Tone: Neutral
Meaning: Do cheezon ki equality ko express karna.
Origin: Old English expression
Use: Informal aur formal dono contexts mein use hota hai.
Conclusion
Using “not only” in your writing or speech can add emphasis, flow, and balance when highlighting multiple ideas or accomplishments. However, like any phrase, it’s best used with care and variety. While it works well in professional and academic contexts, overuse can weaken your message or create stiff, repetitive writing.
Thankfully, you have plenty of alternatives to work with. Whether you want to keep your tone formal or switch it up for something more conversational, you can now confidently swap in phrases like “in addition to,” “as well as,” or “what’s more.”
Strong communication depends on clarity and variety—and mastering phrases like “not only” and its alternatives helps you achieve both.
FAQs
Is “not only” grammatically correct?
Yes, “not only” is grammatically correct and widely used to pair two related ideas, usually followed by “but also.”
Can I use “not only” in formal writing?
Absolutely. It’s appropriate for essays, reports, resumes, and even speeches. Just avoid overusing it to maintain sentence variety.
What’s the best alternative for casual writing?
In casual contexts, phrases like “also,” “plus,” or “as well as” often work better. They feel more natural and conversational.
Does “not only” always need “but also”?
Not always, but pairing it with “but also” creates a clearer structure. Without it, your sentence may feel incomplete or lopsided.
