Are you looking for other ways to express the construct “not only but also”?
Perhaps you’re worried it’s a bit wordy or overused!
Fear not! That’s exactly what we’re here to help you understand.
This article will show you how to say “not only … but also” in different contexts.
Other Ways to Say “Not Only … But Also”
- Not merely … but equally
- Both … and
- In addition to
- Alongside
- Together with
- Coupled with
- Besides … additionally
- Not just … but even
- In conjunction with
- Along with
- Plus
- Also
- On top of
- Not only that, but
- Equally
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- “Not only … but also” is a great way to describe something with two features that need emphasizing.
- “Not merely … but equally” works well as a formal synonym if you’re trying to mix things up.
- Try “both … and” for something more simplistic and informal if that works for your writing style.
You should read on to learn other ways to say “not only … but also.” We’ve explored more regarding the best formal and informal options to show you how they fit into written situations.
Also, the final section explains whether “not only … but also” is correct. Then, you’ll be able to understand how and when to include it in your writing.
Not Merely … But Equally (Formal)
So, if you’re wondering what to say instead of “not only … but also,” try “not merely … but equally.”
This is a great way to emphasize two equal adjectives or traits. It works really well when writing professionally, as it keeps a more formal tone in your writing.
So, you can use it when writing to employees. It’s a great way to congratulate them when they’ve done a good job with a project you set them previously.
If you still don’t get it, check out this email example:
Dear Paul,
This project is not merely interesting but equally well-executed.
I’m so surprised to see what you’ve come up with, and I’m grateful for your results.
Best wishes,
Samantha Roper
It’s also good to use something like this in academic writing. Generally, it’s a good way to correlate two ideas or clauses that fit well with each other.
You can review this essay sample to learn a bit more:
We did this not merely for the results but equally for the errors. It’s important to cover all bases to ensure you can repeat the experiment.
Both … And (Informal)
You can simplify things by using “both … and” as another way to say “not only … but also.”
To some, “not only … but also” is wordy and jarring.
Therefore, “both … and” is a great way to streamline and simplify your writing.
It helps that it sounds more conversational and friendly. So, it makes your writing much more digestible for most readers, making it an excellent choice in many contexts.
For example, you can use it in creative writing to describe a character. It’ll allow you to give someone two main attributes that you want the reader to focus on.
You can refer to this example to learn a bit more about it:
The hero was both handsome and funny. Therefore, most people loved him before they even knew what he could do.
You may also use it in an essay. The simplicity of this synonym is what makes it so effective. Most readers will appreciate it.
Feel free to review this example if you’re still unsure:
I completed this with both extra time and energy to spend elsewhere. That’s why I was so effective with other investigations.
Is It Correct to Say “Not Only … But Also”?
It is correct to say “not only … but also.”
It’s proper English and allows you to emphasize two main features that fit one thing or person.
The phrase is known as a correlative conjunction. This is a part of speech used to connect two balanced words or phrases of equal importance.
So, you can refer to the below sentence examples to learn how to use “not only … but also” in a sentence:
She was not only cute but also funny.
They are not only poor but also difficult.
However, you must pay attention to comma rules before using this phrase.
Notice how we do not include a comma after the first adjective. It’s important to avoid doing so, as the comma is incorrect when using a correlative conjunction like this.
Interestingly enough, the two phrases aren’t always required at the same time.
For instance, you can use “but also” on its own:
- She was cute but also funny.
However, removing “not only” from the phrase takes the emphasis away from the first adjective.
Feel free to bookmark this page before you leave, as well! Then, you can remind yourself of the best synonyms to use instead of “not only … but also” when you want to mix things up.