The phrase “not only” is used to show that something is true in addition to something else.
For example, “She is not only smart but also hardworking.” It is common in everyday English, business writing, presentations, and academic work.
However, using the same phrase too often can make your writing feel repetitive.
Learning other ways to say not only can help you sound more natural, precise, and confident.
The right alternative can also change the tone of your sentence.
Some options are formal and useful in professional writing, while others sound more natural in casual conversation.
In this guide, you will learn 15 alternatives to “not only,” how they work, when to use them, and when to avoid them.
You will also see simple examples that make each phrase easy to understand.
What Does “Not Only” Mean?
“Not only” means that one fact, quality, or action is true in addition to another. It adds emphasis and connects two related ideas.
A common grammar pattern is:
Not only + first idea + but also + second idea
For example:
She is not only talented but also hardworking.
Here, the sentence tells us that she has two qualities: she is talented and hardworking.
You can use “not only” with nouns, verbs, adjectives, and longer clauses.
- Not only did he arrive early, but he also helped us prepare.
- The course is not only useful but also affordable.
- She not only speaks English but also teaches it.
In formal English, “not only” can sometimes cause subject-verb inversion when it begins a sentence:
Not only did the team finish early, but it also exceeded its target.
This structure sounds more formal and emphatic.
When to Use “Not Only”
“Not only” works in many situations. It is especially useful when you want to highlight two benefits, qualities, actions, or facts.
Formal Writing
You can use it in reports, essays, proposals, and professional documents.
The new system is not only faster but also more secure.
Business Communication
It works well in presentations, emails, and workplace discussions.
Our service not only saves time but also reduces costs.
Everyday Conversation
The phrase is also natural in casual speech.
She is not only funny but also really kind.
Academic English
Students often use “not only” to connect two related points.
The study is not only important for researchers but also for policymakers.
Still, if you use “not only” repeatedly, your writing may sound predictable. That is where alternatives can help.
Is It Professional or Polite to Say “Not Only”?
Yes. “Not only” is completely professional and polite.
It does not sound rude or inappropriate. In fact, it is often useful when you want to emphasize the value of something.
For example:
Our software is not only easy to use but also highly reliable.
This sounds professional because it clearly presents two benefits.
However, the best alternative depends on your purpose. “In addition to” is often better for formal writing, while “as well as” can sound smooth and natural in business English.
For casual conversations, simpler choices such as “and also” may sound more natural.
The key is not to avoid “not only.” Instead, learn several alternatives so you can choose the phrase that fits the situation.
Pros and Cons of Using “Not Only”
Pros
- Clear: It shows that two ideas are connected.
- Emphatic: It gives extra importance to the second idea.
- Versatile: It works in speech and writing.
- Professional: It is suitable for business and academic English.
- Easy to understand: Most English learners recognize it quickly.
Cons
- Can become repetitive: Using it too often may weaken your writing.
- Grammar can be tricky: The “not only…but also” structure needs careful construction.
- Can sound formal: In very casual speech, simpler wording may feel more natural.
- May add unnecessary emphasis: Sometimes plain “and” is enough.
15 Other Ways to Say “Not Only”
Below are 15 useful synonyms for “not only” and alternatives you can use in different situations.
1. As Well As
Meaning: In addition to something else.
Explanation: “As well as” is one of the most natural alternatives to “not only.” It connects two things without needing the full “not only…but also” structure.
Example Sentence:
She speaks French as well as English.
Best Use: Formal, Business, Casual
Worst Use: When you need very strong emphasis on the second point.
Tone: Neutral
2. In Addition To
Meaning: Besides something else.
Explanation: “In addition to” clearly shows that another person, thing, action, or quality is being added. It is especially useful in formal and professional writing.
Example Sentence:
In addition to managing the team, Maria trains new employees.
Best Use: Formal, Business, Academic
Worst Use: Very relaxed conversations where it may sound slightly formal.
Tone: Formal
3. Besides
Meaning: In addition to something already mentioned.
Explanation: “Besides” is a simple way to add another point. It can be used in conversation and informal writing.
Example Sentence:
Besides being affordable, the phone has a great camera.
Best Use: Casual, Informal, General
Worst Use: Very formal reports where a more precise phrase may be better.
Tone: Friendly
4. Along With
Meaning: Together with or in addition to.
Explanation: “Along with” connects one thing with another. It is useful when talking about people, objects, responsibilities, or features.
Example Sentence:
Along with her regular duties, she manages the company’s social media.
Best Use: Business, Formal, General
Worst Use: When you want to create a strong contrast or dramatic emphasis.
Tone: Neutral
5. Together With
Meaning: Combined with or accompanied by something else.
Explanation: “Together with” emphasizes that two things are considered or done as a pair.
Example Sentence:
The manager, together with her assistants, prepared the presentation.
Best Use: Formal, Business
Worst Use: Very casual conversations where “and” sounds more natural.
Tone: Formal
6. And Also
Meaning: One thing happens or is true, and another thing is true too.
Explanation: “And also” is one of the easiest alternatives. It is especially useful in everyday speech. It does not create as much emphasis as “not only…but also.”
Example Sentence:
The restaurant is cheap and also has great food.
Best Use: Casual, Informal, Spoken English
Worst Use: Academic writing where a more polished structure may be preferred.
Tone: Friendly
7. Plus
Meaning: In addition to something.
Explanation: “Plus” is a short and conversational way to add another benefit, fact, or reason.
Example Sentence:
The apartment is close to work, plus it has free parking.
Best Use: Casual, Conversational
Worst Use: Formal reports, academic essays, and official documents.
Tone: Friendly
8. Furthermore
Meaning: In addition to what has already been stated.
Explanation: “Furthermore” is a formal transition word. It adds another supporting point and is often used in structured writing.
Example Sentence:
The program saves money. Furthermore, it improves employee productivity.
Best Use: Formal, Academic, Business
Worst Use: Casual conversations with friends.
Tone: Formal
9. Moreover
Meaning: In addition; also.
Explanation: “Moreover” adds another important point. It often suggests that the next point gives even more support to the previous statement.
Example Sentence:
The product is affordable. Moreover, it is easy to maintain.
Best Use: Formal, Academic, Business
Worst Use: Casual text messages.
Tone: Formal
10. What’s More
Meaning: There is another important fact to add.
Explanation: “What’s more” introduces an additional point, often one that makes the situation even better, stronger, or more surprising.
Example Sentence:
The course is free. What’s more, you receive a certificate when you finish.
Best Use: General, Informal, Professional
Worst Use: Highly technical writing where a more precise transition may be preferred.
Tone: Emphatic
11. Not to Mention
Meaning: There is another important thing that should also be considered.
Explanation: “Not to mention” is useful when adding an extra point that makes your argument stronger. It is common in both speech and informal writing.
Example Sentence:
The hotel is affordable, comfortable, and not to mention close to the airport.
Best Use: Casual, Conversational, General
Worst Use: Very formal academic writing.
Tone: Emphatic
12. On Top of That
Meaning: In addition to everything already mentioned.
Explanation: “On top of that” adds another point, often something especially good, bad, surprising, or important.
Example Sentence:
The job offers flexible hours. On top of that, the company provides free training.
Best Use: Informal, Conversational, General
Worst Use: Formal legal or academic documents.
Tone: Friendly
13. Beyond
Meaning: In addition to or more than something.
Explanation: “Beyond” can show that something goes further than a basic expectation. It is useful when discussing benefits, skills, responsibilities, or achievements.
Example Sentence:
Beyond improving sales, the campaign strengthened the company’s brand.
Best Use: Business, Formal, Professional
Worst Use: Simple everyday sentences where “and” is clearer.
Tone: Neutral
14. Not to Mention the Fact That
Meaning: Another point is worth adding to the discussion.
Explanation: This longer phrase introduces an additional fact. It is more conversational than “furthermore” but can sound wordy if used too often.
Example Sentence:
The office is easy to reach, not to mention the fact that parking is free.
Best Use: Conversational, General
Worst Use: Short professional messages where brevity matters.
Tone: Emphatic
15. In Addition
Meaning: Also; besides what has already been mentioned.
Explanation: “In addition” is a clean and flexible alternative to “not only.” It works well when adding another fact, benefit, or reason.
Example Sentence:
The company offers health insurance. In addition, employees receive paid training.
Best Use: Formal, Business, Academic
Worst Use: Very casual speech, where “also” may sound more natural.
Tone: Neutral
Best Alternatives to “Not Only” at a Glance
| Alternative | Tone | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| As well as | Neutral | General English |
| In addition to | Formal | Business writing |
| Besides | Friendly | Conversation |
| Furthermore | Formal | Academic writing |
| Moreover | Formal | Professional writing |
| And also | Friendly | Everyday speech |
| On top of that | Friendly | Casual conversation |
The best choice depends on what you want your sentence to do. If you want a formal style, “in addition to,” “furthermore,” and “moreover” are strong choices. For everyday conversation, “as well as,” “besides,” and “and also” usually sound more natural.
How to Choose the Right Alternative
When looking for alternatives to “not only,” first think about your audience.
For a business report:
In addition to reducing costs, the new system improves efficiency.
For a casual conversation:
The movie was funny, plus the ending was great.
For an academic essay:
The policy reduced expenses. Furthermore, it improved public access.
For a friendly conversation:
She is smart as well as really funny.
This small change can make your English sound more natural. Good word choice is not only about using difficult vocabulary. It is about choosing the phrase that fits the situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best alternative to “not only”?
“As well as” is one of the best general alternatives. It is natural, simple, and works in many contexts.
2. What is a formal way to say “not only”?
Use “in addition to,” “furthermore,” “moreover,” or “in addition.” These choices work well in professional and academic writing.
3. What is a casual way to say “not only”?
In casual English, you can use “plus,” “besides,” “and also,” or “on top of that.”
4. Can I replace “not only” with “as well as”?
Yes. In many sentences, “as well as” is a smooth replacement.
She is not only talented but also experienced.
She is talented as well as experienced.
The exact sentence structure may need to change slightly.
5. Is “not only…but also” grammatically correct?
Yes. “Not only…but also” is a standard English structure used to connect two related ideas and add emphasis.
Conclusion
Learning other ways to say not only gives you more control over your English.
You do not need to use complicated words to sound fluent.
Simple choices such as “as well as,” “in addition to,” “besides,” and “and also” can make your sentences more varied.
For formal writing, “furthermore,” “moreover,” and “in addition” can create a polished tone.
For casual speech, “plus” and “on top of that” feel more natural.
The most important thing is to match the phrase with your audience and situation.
Try these alternatives in emails, conversations, essays, and presentations to make your English clearer and more flexible.
Alden Rowen is the author behind Meanings Path, sharing clear and reliable insights into the meanings, origins, and significance of words, names, and phrases. His goal is to make language simple, useful, and easy to understand.