conjunction

not only

not OHN-lee

Not only (conjunction) means used with but also, but, or but even to add a second and usually more striking fact to the first. Example: “She not only finished the race but also set a personal best.”

conjunction

Used with but also, but, or but even to add a second and usually more striking fact to the first.

"She not only finished the race but also set a personal best."

"Not only was the food cold, it arrived an hour late."

How to Use Not only

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA way of adding a second, bigger point to the first one.

When to use it

Neutral; the fronted, inverted form sounds emphatic and slightly literary.

Memory tip

Keep the two parts grammatically matched, and remember the inversion when not only starts the sentence.

Easily confused with

as well as besides → let alone

Common pairings

not only... but also not only that not only is it

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She _____ finished the race but also set a personal best.

Rhymes for not only

only commonly wantonly uncommonly

See all rhymes for not only →

Frequently Asked Questions

Does not only always need but also?

No. But also is the fullest form, but 'but', 'but even' or simply a following clause all work: 'Not only did he apologise, he paid for the repairs.'

Why is the word order inverted after not only?

When not only opens the sentence, English inverts the subject and auxiliary verb, as in 'Not only did she call' rather than 'Not only she called'. The inversion is required in standard writing.

What follows not only grammatically?

The two halves should be parallel: if not only is followed by a verb phrase, but also should be too. 'He not only writes but also edits' is balanced; 'He not only writes but also an editor' is not.