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
1
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 notesIn 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
Common pairings
not only... but also
not only that
not only is it
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Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She _____ finished the race but also set a personal best.
Rhymes for not only
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.
What is the meaning of not only?
"not only" (conjunction) means used with but also, but, or but even to add a second and usually more striking fact to the first.
