Mastering English involves more than just knowing the basics; it’s about refining your expression to convey nuance and sophistication. One common phrase, “not only,” often appears in writing and speech to connect two related ideas.
However, relying solely on this phrase can make your language sound repetitive. This article delves into various alternatives to “not only,” providing you with the tools to enhance your communication skills.
Whether you’re an ESL student, a professional writer, or simply someone looking to improve their English, this guide will equip you with a range of options to express similar meanings with greater precision and style.
By exploring synonyms and alternative sentence structures, you will learn to add variety and depth to your language, making your writing and speaking more engaging and impactful. This comprehensive guide will cover definitions, structural breakdowns, usage rules, common mistakes, and plenty of examples to ensure you grasp each alternative thoroughly.
Dive in and discover the richness of the English language!
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of “Not Only”
- Structural Breakdown of “Not Only…But Also”
- Alternatives to “Not Only”
- Examples
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition of “Not Only”
The phrase “not only” is a correlative conjunction used to connect two related pieces of information, emphasizing that both are true or relevant. It is almost always paired with “but also.” The structure highlights that the second piece of information is perhaps more significant or surprising than the first.
It adds emphasis and complexity to sentences, making them more informative and engaging.
In terms of grammatical classification, “not only…but also” functions as a correlative conjunction, connecting two parallel elements in a sentence. These elements can be nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, phrases, or even clauses.
The function of this conjunction is to add information while stressing the importance of both elements. The context in which “not only…but also” is used is typically formal or semi-formal writing and speech, where clarity and emphasis are desired.
Structural Breakdown of “Not Only…But Also”
The structure of “not only…but also” follows a specific pattern to ensure grammatical correctness and clarity. Understanding this pattern is crucial for using the conjunction effectively.
The basic structure is:
Not only + [element 1] + but also + [element 2]
Where [element 1] and [element 2] must be grammatically parallel. This means that if [element 1] is a noun, [element 2] must also be a noun; if [element 1] is a verb phrase, [element 2] must also be a verb phrase, and so on.
This parallelism is essential for maintaining the sentence’s coherence and grammatical accuracy. For example:
- Correct: She is not only intelligent but also kind. (adjectives)
- Incorrect: She is not only intelligent but she also has kindness. (adjective and noun)
In some cases, when “not only” begins a sentence, it requires subject-verb inversion in the first clause. This is more common in formal writing and gives the sentence added emphasis:
Not only + auxiliary verb + subject + main verb + but also + [element 2]
For example:
- Not only did he study hard, but also he aced the exam.
- Not only is she a talented musician, but also she’s a gifted writer.
When “not only” modifies the subject, inversion is not required, and the structure follows the basic pattern. The placement of “not only” and “but also” is critical to maintaining the sentence’s grammatical integrity and intended meaning.
Alternatives to “Not Only”
While “not only…but also” is a useful construction, excessive repetition can make your writing sound monotonous. Fortunately, English offers a variety of alternatives that can convey similar meanings with different nuances.
Here are some of the most common and effective alternatives:
Both…And
“Both…and” is used to indicate that two things are true or present together. It’s a straightforward alternative to “not only…but also,” often implying a more equal emphasis on the two elements.
As Well As
“As well as” is a prepositional phrase that adds information to the main point. It’s often used to include something extra or secondary.
In Addition To
“In addition to” introduces supplementary information, similar to “as well as,” but often used at the beginning of a sentence or clause to signal the addition of something important.
Moreover
“Moreover” is an adverb that adds further information to support a previous statement. It indicates that the additional information is significant and reinforces the initial point.
Furthermore
“Furthermore” is similar to “moreover” and is used to introduce an additional piece of information that strengthens the argument or statement being made.
Besides
“Besides” can be used as a preposition or an adverb to add extra information or reasons. It suggests that what follows is an additional point worth considering.
Also
“Also” is a simple adverb used to add information. It’s less emphatic than “not only…but also” but provides a straightforward way to include additional details.
Too
“Too” is an adverb that indicates inclusion or addition. It usually comes at the end of a clause or sentence.
Additionally
“Additionally” is another adverb used to introduce additional information. It’s similar to “also” and “furthermore” but can often be used to start a new sentence or paragraph.
On Top of That
“On top of that” is an informal phrase used to add even more information, often emphasizing that the additional information is surprising or significant.
Not Just…But
Similar to “not only…but also,” “not just…but” is used to emphasize two related pieces of information, with a slight variation in tone.
Other Than
“Other than” is used to introduce an exception or addition to a statement. It can be used to highlight something beyond the initial focus.
Apart From
“Apart from” is similar to “other than” and is used to indicate an exception or something additional to the main point.
Aside From
“Aside from” is yet another alternative to “other than” and “apart from,” serving the same function of introducing an exception or addition.
Including
“Including” is used to specify items or examples that are part of a larger group or category. It highlights that the mentioned items are part of a broader scope.
Examples
To fully understand how to use these alternatives, let’s look at examples in various contexts. These examples will illustrate the subtle differences in meaning and usage.
Examples with “Both…And”
The following table contains examples of sentences using the structure “both… and.” Notice how it connects two related elements with equal emphasis.
| Original Sentence (Not Only…But Also) | Alternative Sentence (Both…And) |
|---|---|
| She is not only intelligent but also hardworking. | She is both intelligent and hardworking. |
| He not only plays the guitar but also sings. | He both plays the guitar and sings. |
| The movie was not only entertaining but also thought-provoking. | The movie was both entertaining and thought-provoking. |
| The restaurant offers not only delicious food but also excellent service. | The restaurant offers both delicious food and excellent service. |
| The course covers not only grammar but also vocabulary. | The course covers both grammar and vocabulary. |
| The software is not only user-friendly but also powerful. | The software is both user-friendly and powerful. |
| The athlete is not only skilled but also dedicated. | The athlete is both skilled and dedicated. |
| The book is not only informative but also engaging. | The book is both informative and engaging. |
| The city is not only beautiful but also historic. | The city is both beautiful and historic. |
| The project requires not only time but also effort. | The project requires both time and effort. |
| He is not only fluent in English but also in Spanish. | He is both fluent in English and in Spanish. |
| She not only teaches math but also science. | She teaches both math and science. |
| The company not only manufactures cars but also trucks. | The company manufactures both cars and trucks. |
| The event featured not only music but also dance. | The event featured both music and dance. |
| The study examined not only the causes but also the effects. | The study examined both the causes and the effects. |
| The policy addresses not only economic issues but also social concerns. | The policy addresses both economic issues and social concerns. |
| The artist is not only a painter but also a sculptor. | The artist is both a painter and a sculptor. |
| The system is not only efficient but also reliable. | The system is both efficient and reliable. |
| The solution is not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly. | The solution is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. |
| The speaker was not only knowledgeable but also charismatic. | The speaker was both knowledgeable and charismatic. |
| The design is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. | The design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. |
| The program offers not only training but also support. | The program offers both training and support. |
| The research covers not only theoretical aspects but also practical applications. | The research covers both theoretical aspects and practical applications. |
| The software provides not only security but also convenience. | The software provides both security and convenience. |
| The treatment is not only effective but also safe. | The treatment is both effective and safe. |
| The project aims to improve not only infrastructure but also education. | The project aims to improve both infrastructure and education. |
Examples with “As Well As”
The following table contains example sentences using the structure “as well as.” Notice how it adds extra information to the main point.
| Original Sentence (Not Only…But Also) | Alternative Sentence (As Well As) |
|---|---|
| She is not only intelligent but also hardworking. | She is intelligent as well as hardworking. |
| He not only plays the guitar but also sings. | He plays the guitar as well as sings. |
| The movie was not only entertaining but also thought-provoking. | The movie was entertaining as well as thought-provoking. |
| The restaurant offers not only delicious food but also excellent service. | The restaurant offers delicious food as well as excellent service. |
| The course covers not only grammar but also vocabulary. | The course covers grammar as well as vocabulary. |
| The software is not only user-friendly but also powerful. | The software is user-friendly as well as powerful. |
| The athlete is not only skilled but also dedicated. | The athlete is skilled as well as dedicated. |
| The book is not only informative but also engaging. | The book is informative as well as engaging. |
| The city is not only beautiful but also historic. | The city is beautiful as well as historic. |
| The project requires not only time but also effort. | The project requires time as well as effort. |
| He is not only fluent in English but also in Spanish. | He is fluent in English as well as in Spanish. |
| She not only teaches math but also science. | She teaches math as well as science. |
| The company not only manufactures cars but also trucks. | The company manufactures cars as well as trucks. |
| The event featured not only music but also dance. | The event featured music as well as dance. |
| The study examined not only the causes but also the effects. | The study examined the causes as well as the effects. |
| The policy addresses not only economic issues but also social concerns. | The policy addresses economic issues as well as social concerns. |
| The artist is not only a painter but also a sculptor. | The artist is a painter as well as a sculptor. |
| The system is not only efficient but also reliable. | The system is efficient as well as reliable. |
| The solution is not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly. | The solution is cost-effective as well as environmentally friendly. |
| The speaker was not only knowledgeable but also charismatic. | The speaker was knowledgeable as well as charismatic. |
| The design is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. | The design is functional as well as aesthetically pleasing. |
| The program offers not only training but also support. | The program offers training as well as support. |
| The research covers not only theoretical aspects but also practical applications. | The research covers theoretical aspects as well as practical applications. |
| The software provides not only security but also convenience. | The software provides security as well as convenience. |
| The treatment is not only effective but also safe. | The treatment is effective as well as safe. |
| The project aims to improve not only infrastructure but also education. | The project aims to improve infrastructure as well as education. |
Examples with “In Addition To”
The following table contains examples of sentences using the structure “in addition to.” Notice how it introduces supplementary information, often at the beginning of the sentence.
| Original Sentence (Not Only…But Also) | Alternative Sentence (In Addition To) |
|---|---|
| She is not only intelligent but also hardworking. | In addition to being intelligent, she is hardworking. |
| He not only plays the guitar but also sings. | In addition to playing the guitar, he sings. |
| The movie was not only entertaining but also thought-provoking. | In addition to being entertaining, the movie was thought-provoking. |
| The restaurant offers not only delicious food but also excellent service. | In addition to offering delicious food, the restaurant provides excellent service. |
| The course covers not only grammar but also vocabulary. | In addition to grammar, the course covers vocabulary. |
| The software is not only user-friendly but also powerful. | In addition to being user-friendly, the software is powerful. |
| The athlete is not only skilled but also dedicated. | In addition to being skilled, the athlete is dedicated. |
| The book is not only informative but also engaging. | In addition to being informative, the book is engaging. |
| The city is not only beautiful but also historic. | In addition to being beautiful, the city is historic. |
| The project requires not only time but also effort. | In addition to time, the project requires effort. |
| He is not only fluent in English but also in Spanish. | In addition to being fluent in English, he is fluent in Spanish. |
| She not only teaches math but also science. | In addition to teaching math, she teaches science. |
| The company not only manufactures cars but also trucks. | In addition to manufacturing cars, the company manufactures trucks. |
| The event featured not only music but also dance. | In addition to music, the event featured dance. |
| The study examined not only the causes but also the effects. | In addition to the causes, the study examined the effects. |
| The policy addresses not only economic issues but also social concerns. | In addition to economic issues, the policy addresses social concerns. |
| The artist is not only a painter but also a sculptor. | In addition to being a painter, the artist is a sculptor. |
| The system is not only efficient but also reliable. | In addition to being efficient, the system is reliable. |
| The solution is not only cost-effective but also environmentally friendly. | In addition to being cost-effective, the solution is environmentally friendly. |
| The speaker was not only knowledgeable but also charismatic. | In addition to being knowledgeable, the speaker was charismatic. |
| The design is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. | In addition to being functional, the design is aesthetically pleasing. |
| The program offers not only training but also support. | In addition to training, the program offers support. |
| The research covers not only theoretical aspects but also practical applications. | In addition to theoretical aspects, the research covers practical applications. |
| The software provides not only security but also convenience. | In addition to security, the software provides convenience. |
| The treatment is not only effective but also safe. | In addition to being effective, the treatment is safe. |
| The project aims to improve not only infrastructure but also education. | In addition to improving infrastructure, the project aims to improve education. |
Examples with “Moreover,” “Furthermore,” and “Besides”
The following table contains examples using the words “moreover,” “furthermore,” and “besides” to add information and reinforce a previous statement.
| Original Sentence (Not Only…But Also) | Alternative Sentence (Moreover/Furthermore/Besides) |
|---|---|
| The plan is cost-effective; it is not only easy to implement but also sustainable. | The plan is cost-effective; moreover, it is sustainable. |
| The plan is cost-effective; it is not only easy to implement but also sustainable. | The plan is cost-effective; furthermore, it is sustainable. |
| The plan is cost-effective; it is not only easy to implement but also sustainable. | The plan is cost-effective; besides, it is sustainable. |
| She is a talented musician; she not only sings but also plays multiple instruments. | She is a talented musician; moreover, she plays multiple instruments. |
| She is a talented musician; she not only sings but also plays multiple instruments. | She is a talented musician; furthermore, she plays multiple instruments. |
| She is a talented musician; she not only sings but also plays multiple instruments. | She is a talented musician; besides, she plays multiple instruments. |
| The project is well-designed; it not only meets the requirements but also exceeds expectations. | The project is well-designed; moreover, it exceeds expectations. |
| The project is well-designed; it not only meets the requirements but also exceeds expectations. | The project is well-designed; furthermore, it exceeds expectations. |
| The project is well-designed; it not only meets the requirements but also exceeds expectations. | The project is well-designed; besides, it exceeds expectations. |
| The product is reliable; it not only performs well but also has a long lifespan. | The product is reliable; moreover, it has a long lifespan. |
| The product is reliable; it not only performs well but also has a long lifespan. | The product is reliable; furthermore, it has a long lifespan. |
| The product is reliable; it not only performs well but also has a long lifespan. | The product is reliable; besides, it has a long lifespan. |
| The candidate is qualified; they not only have the necessary skills but also have extensive experience. | The candidate is qualified; moreover, they have extensive experience. |
| The candidate is qualified; they not only have the necessary skills but also have extensive experience. | The candidate is qualified; furthermore, they have extensive experience. |
| The candidate is qualified; they not only have the necessary skills but also have extensive experience. | The candidate is qualified; besides, they have extensive experience. |
| The book is informative; it not only presents facts but also offers insightful analysis. | The book is informative; moreover, it offers insightful analysis. |
| The book is informative; it not only presents facts but also offers insightful analysis. | The book is informative; furthermore, it offers insightful analysis. |
| The book is informative; it not only presents facts but also offers insightful analysis. | The book is informative; besides, it offers insightful analysis. |
| The solution is effective; it not only addresses the symptoms but also tackles the root cause. | The solution is effective; moreover, it tackles the root cause. |
| The solution is effective; it not only addresses the symptoms but also tackles the root cause. | The solution is effective; furthermore, it tackles the root cause. |
| The solution is effective; it not only addresses the symptoms but also tackles the root cause. | The solution is effective; besides, it tackles the root cause. |
| The city is vibrant; it not only has a rich history but also a thriving cultural scene. | The city is vibrant; moreover, it has a thriving cultural scene. |
| The city is vibrant; it not only has a rich history but also a thriving cultural scene. | The city is vibrant; furthermore, it has a thriving cultural scene. |
| The city is vibrant; it not only has a rich history but also a thriving cultural scene. | The city is vibrant; besides, it has a thriving cultural scene. |
Examples with “Also,” “Too,” and “Additionally”
The following table contains examples of sentences using the words “also,” “too,” and “additionally” to add information in a straightforward manner.
| Original Sentence (Not Only…But Also) | Alternative Sentence (Also/Too/Additionally) |
|---|---|
| She is intelligent; she is not only hardworking but also creative. | She is intelligent; she is also creative. |
| She is intelligent; she is hardworking, too. | She is intelligent; additionally, she is creative. |
| He plays the guitar; he not only sings but also writes songs. | He plays the guitar; he also writes songs. |
| He plays the guitar; he writes songs, too. | He plays the guitar; additionally, he writes songs. |
| The movie is entertaining; it is not only informative but also visually stunning. | The movie is entertaining; it is also visually stunning. |
| The movie is entertaining; it is visually stunning, too. | The movie is entertaining; additionally, it is visually stunning. |
| The restaurant offers delicious food; it not only has great ambiance but also excellent service. | The restaurant offers delicious food; it also has excellent service. |
| The restaurant offers delicious food; it has excellent service, too. | The restaurant offers delicious food; additionally, it has excellent service. |
| The course covers grammar; it not only includes vocabulary but also pronunciation. | The course covers grammar; it also includes pronunciation. |
| The course covers grammar; it includes pronunciation, too. | The course covers grammar; additionally, it includes pronunciation. |
| The software is user-friendly; it is not only powerful but also versatile. | The software is user-friendly; it is also versatile. |
| The software is user-friendly; it is versatile, too. | The software is user-friendly; additionally, it is versatile. |
| The athlete is skilled; they are not only dedicated but also disciplined. | The athlete is skilled; they are also disciplined. |
| The athlete is skilled; they are disciplined, too. | The athlete is skilled; additionally, they are disciplined. |
| The book is informative; it is not only engaging but also well-researched. | The book is informative; it is also well-researched. |
| The book is informative; it is well-researched, too. | The book is informative; additionally, it is well-researched. |
| The city is beautiful; it is not only historic but also culturally rich. | The city is beautiful; it is also culturally rich. |
| The city is beautiful; it is culturally rich, too. | The city is beautiful; additionally, it is culturally rich. |
| The project requires time; it not only needs effort but also resources. | The project requires time; it also needs resources. |
| The project requires time; it needs resources, too. | The project requires time; additionally, it needs resources. |
| He is fluent in English; he is not only proficient in Spanish but also knows French. | He is fluent in English; he also knows French. |
| He is fluent in English; he knows French, too. | He is fluent in English; additionally, he knows French. |
| She teaches math; she not only teaches science but also coaches sports. | She teaches math; she also coaches sports. |
| She teaches math; she coaches sports, too. | She teaches math; additionally, she coaches sports. |
| The company manufactures cars; it not only produces trucks but also develops electric vehicles. | The company manufactures cars; it also develops electric vehicles. |
| The company manufactures cars; it develops electric vehicles, too. | The company manufactures cars; additionally, it develops electric vehicles. |
Examples with “On Top Of That,” “Not Just…But”, “Other Than”, “Apart From”, “Aside From”, “Including”
The following table contains examples of sentences using the words “On Top of That,” “Not Just…But”, “Other Than”, “Apart From”, “Aside From”, “Including” to add information or to indicate exceptions or inclusions.
| Original Sentence (Not Only…But Also) | Alternative Sentence (Various) |
|---|---|
| The food was delicious; not only was the service excellent, but the prices were reasonable. | The food was delicious; on top of that, the prices were reasonable. |
| She is not only a talented singer but also a skilled dancer. | She is not just a talented singer, but a skilled dancer. |
| He enjoys all sports, especially not only football but also basketball. | He enjoys all sports, including football and basketball. |
| Everyone is invited to the party, not only friends but also family. | Everyone is invited to the party, including friends and family. |
| The museum is open every day, not only on weekdays but also on weekends. | The museum is open every day, including weekends. |
| The recipe requires simple ingredients, not only flour but also sugar. | The recipe requires simple ingredients, including flour and sugar. |
| The project covered various topics, not only economics but also sociology. | The project covered various topics, including economics and sociology. |
| The event featured different activities, not only music but also dance performances. | The event featured different activities, including music and dance performances. |
| The course includes core subjects, not only math but also science. | The course includes core subjects, including math and science. |
| The software supports multiple formats, not only JPEG but also PNG. | The software supports multiple formats, including JPEG and PNG. |
| The company offers a range of services, not only consulting but also training. | The company offers a range of services, including consulting and training. |
| The meal was fantastic, not only the main course but also the dessert. | The meal was fantastic, including the dessert. |
| Everyone passed the test, not only the diligent students but also
the less prepared ones. |
Everyone passed the test, including the less prepared students. |
Usage Rules
Using alternatives to “not only…but also” correctly involves understanding the specific nuances and grammatical rules associated with each alternative. Here are some key usage rules to keep in mind:
- Parallel Structure: When using “both…and,” ensure that the elements connected are grammatically parallel. For example, “She is both intelligent and hardworking” is correct because both “intelligent” and “hardworking” are adjectives.
- Placement of “As Well As”: “As well as” can be placed either before the last item in a list or after the main subject of a sentence. For example, “He plays the guitar as well as sings” or “He sings as well as plays the guitar.”
- “In Addition To” at the Beginning: “In addition to” often starts a sentence or clause, setting the stage for additional information. For example, “In addition to being intelligent, she is also kind.”
- Adverbs for Reinforcement: Adverbs like “moreover,” “furthermore,” and “besides” are typically used to introduce additional points that support the previous statement. They often appear at the beginning of a sentence or clause, followed by a comma.
- Simple Addition with “Also” and “Too”: “Also” is used to add information in a straightforward manner and is usually placed before the main verb. “Too” is typically placed at the end of a clause or sentence.
- “On Top of That” for Emphasis: “On top of that” is an informal way to add emphasis, often highlighting surprising or significant information.
- “Including” for Specific Examples: Use “including” to specify items or examples that are part of a larger group. For example, “The course covers various topics, including grammar and vocabulary.”
Common Mistakes
Even with a good understanding of the alternatives, it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common errors to watch out for:
- Lack of Parallelism: Failing to maintain parallel structure when using “both…and.”
- Incorrect: She is both intelligent and has kindness. (adjective and noun)
- Correct: She is both intelligent and kind. (adjectives)
- Incorrect Placement of “Too”: Placing “too” in the middle of a clause instead of at the end.
- Incorrect: She too is intelligent.
- Correct: She is intelligent, too.
- Misusing “Besides” as “Beside”: Confusing “besides” (in addition to) with “beside” (next to).
- Incorrect: Beside being talented, she is also kind.
- Correct: Besides being talented, she is also kind.
- Overusing Informal Phrases: Relying too heavily on informal phrases like “on top of that” in formal writing.
- Incorrect Use of “Including”: Using “including” when a more precise term is needed.
- Incorrect: All students passed, including one failed.
- Correct: All students passed, even the one who was expected to fail.
Practice Exercises
To solidify your understanding, try these practice exercises. Rewrite the following sentences using the suggested alternatives to “not only…but also.”
Exercise 1
Rewrite the following sentences using “both…and”:
- The project is not only on time but also under budget.
- The chef is not only skilled at cooking but also at baking.
- The software is not only easy to use but also highly customizable.
Answers:
- The project is both on time and under budget.
- The chef is both skilled at cooking and baking.
- The software is both easy to use and highly customizable.
Exercise 2
Rewrite the following sentences using “in addition to”:
- She is not only intelligent but also creative.
- He not only plays the piano but also sings.
- The book is not only informative but also engaging.
Answers:
- In addition to being intelligent, she is creative.
- In addition to playing the piano, he sings.
- In addition to being informative, the book is engaging.
Advanced Topics
For those looking to delve deeper, consider these advanced topics:
- Varying Sentence Structure: Experiment with different sentence structures to further diversify your writing. For example, try starting sentences with participial phrases or using subordinate clauses to add complexity.
- Combining Alternatives: Use a mix of alternatives in your writing to avoid repetition and maintain reader interest.
- Contextual Appropriateness: Consider the context and audience when choosing alternatives. Formal writing may benefit from adverbs like “moreover” and “furthermore,” while informal writing may be more suited to phrases like “on top of that.”
FAQ
When should I use “moreover” instead of “furthermore”?
Both “moreover” and “furthermore” are used to add information that supports a previous statement. However, “moreover” often introduces information that is equally or more important than the previous point, while “furthermore” simply adds additional support.
Is it okay to start a sentence with “also”?
While it’s grammatically correct, starting a sentence with “also” is generally discouraged in formal writing. It can sound less sophisticated than using alternatives like “additionally” or “furthermore.”
Can I use “as well as” at the beginning of a sentence?
No, “as well as” is typically used within a sentence to add information to the main subject or point. It is not appropriate to begin a sentence with “as well as.”
Conclusion
By mastering these alternatives to “not only…but also,” you can significantly enhance the quality and variety of your writing and speaking. Each alternative offers a unique nuance and can be used to add depth, emphasis, and sophistication to your communication.
Remember to practice these alternatives in your writing and speaking to become more comfortable and confident in their use. With a little effort, you’ll be well on your way to expressing yourself with greater precision and style.