The phrase “not only” is a powerful tool for emphasizing dual or multiple ideas. It’s used to highlight that one statement is true—and that another equally or more significant one follows. For example:
While this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, it can become repetitive or overly formal when overused. Varying your expressions keeps your writing and speech engaging, balanced, and natural.
In this article, you’ll find 45 refined alternatives to “not only”—each explained with meaning, examples, ideal usage, and tone guidance.
1. As well as
Meaning: Connects two equally important ideas or qualities.
Explanation: A smoother and often simpler alternative to “not only.”
Example: She is creative as well as analytical.
Best Use: Essays, business writing, formal or semi-formal tone.
Tone: Balanced, neutral, polished.
2. Both…and
Meaning: Highlights two qualities, actions, or facts.
Explanation: A grammatical structure that replaces “not only…but also.”
Example: He is both intelligent and hardworking.
Best Use: Formal writing, academic contexts.
Tone: Structured, clear, professional.
3. But also
Meaning: Completes the “not only” phrase or stands alone for emphasis.
Explanation: Can be used alone to introduce an additional point.
Example: She’s dedicated but also adaptable.
Best Use: Formal and informal writing alike.
Tone: Balanced, fluent, versatile.
4. As much as
Meaning: Shows equal emphasis or comparison between ideas.
Explanation: Suggests that two statements hold similar importance.
Example: As much as I enjoy reading, I also love writing.
Best Use: Conversational or reflective writing.
Tone: Thoughtful, informal to semi-formal.
5. Equally
Meaning: Highlights that two things are of the same significance.
Explanation: Works well at the beginning of the second clause.
Example: The plan is ambitious; equally, it’s achievable.
Best Use: Analytical or persuasive writing.
Tone: Formal, balanced.
6. Just as…so too
Meaning: A sophisticated structure showing parallel importance.
Explanation: Often used in essays or speeches for rhythm and balance.
Example: Just as innovation drives success, so too does collaboration.
Best Use: Academic, persuasive, or formal writing.
Tone: Elegant, formal, rhetorical.
7. Along with
Meaning: Adds another quality or idea in a smooth, natural way.
Explanation: Less formal than “not only,” but more conversational.
Example: Along with strong communication skills, he brings great leadership.
Best Use: Professional and conversational writing.
Tone: Natural, professional.
8. In addition to
Meaning: Introduces an extra or supporting idea.
Explanation: A clear, professional phrase for expanding points.
Example: In addition to experience, she has a strong educational background.
Best Use: Formal or business writing.
Tone: Professional, neutral.
9. Together with
Meaning: Emphasizes combination or partnership of qualities or factors.
Explanation: Smoothly links related traits or accomplishments.
Example: His charisma, together with his expertise, makes him a great leader.
Best Use: Reports, essays, resumes.
Tone: Balanced, formal.
10. Besides
Meaning: Adds an extra point or benefit.
Explanation: Works well in informal to semi-formal contexts.
Example: Besides being efficient, she’s also very creative.
Best Use: Conversational or persuasive writing.
Tone: Friendly, smooth.
11. What’s more
Meaning: Emphasizes an additional, often surprising, point.
Explanation: Works well for impact or emphasis.
Example: The design is elegant. What’s more, it’s sustainable.
Best Use: Marketing, speeches, storytelling.
Tone: Engaging, persuasive.
12. As a bonus
Meaning: Highlights an added benefit or positive feature.
Explanation: More informal and engaging.
Example: The job offers great pay; as a bonus, it includes travel perks.
Best Use: Informal or promotional writing.
Tone: Friendly, positive.
13. Coupled with
Meaning: Indicates a combination that enhances impact.
Explanation: Often used in analysis or professional writing.
Example: Her leadership skills, coupled with her empathy, inspire the team.
Best Use: Business or academic tone.
Tone: Formal, analytical.
14. Together with
Meaning: Shows connection between two key qualities.
Explanation: Can replace “not only…but also” seamlessly.
Example: Together with technical expertise, he offers strategic insight.
Best Use: Formal, descriptive writing.
Tone: Balanced, polished.
15. On top of that
Meaning: Adds an additional point with emphasis.
Explanation: Works best in speech or informal writing.
Example: She completed the project early. On top of that, it exceeded expectations.
Best Use: Conversations, casual or semi-formal writing.
Tone: Friendly, conversational.
16. What’s even better
Meaning: Adds emphasis to a second, more impressive point.
Explanation: Great for enthusiastic or persuasive tone.
Example: The course is free, and what’s even better, it’s self-paced.
Best Use: Marketing, friendly communication.
Tone: Enthusiastic, informal.
17. As if that weren’t enough
Meaning: Suggests the next point strengthens the argument.
Explanation: Adds drama or emphasis to the second clause.
Example: He’s a great teacher. As if that weren’t enough, he volunteers every weekend.
Best Use: Storytelling, persuasive writing.
Tone: Engaging, expressive.
18. In the same way
Meaning: Connects two parallel or similar ideas.
Explanation: Best for drawing comparisons or patterns.
Example: In the same way she approaches art, she approaches business—with creativity.
Best Use: Academic and analytical writing.
Tone: Thoughtful, formal.
19. Not to mention
Meaning: Adds an extra point that further strengthens the statement.
Explanation: Often used to emphasize an overlooked benefit.
Example: She’s smart and dedicated—not to mention incredibly kind.
Best Use: Conversational or persuasive tone.
Tone: Engaging, friendly.
20. As well
Meaning: Simply adds another element or idea.
Explanation: A light, conversational replacement.
Example: He’s skilled in design as well.
Best Use: Informal or semi-formal tone.
Tone: Polite, easy-going.
21. Added to that
Meaning: Indicates accumulation or addition.
Explanation: Smoothly connects supporting ideas.
Example: Added to that, the company has a strong ethical policy.
Best Use: Reports, essays, articles.
Tone: Professional, neutral.
22. Moreover
Meaning: Introduces a reinforcing statement.
Explanation: A formal transition, ideal for structured writing.
Example: The new plan is cost-effective; moreover, it improves efficiency.
Best Use: Academic, analytical, or business writing.
Tone: Formal, professional.
23. Plus
Meaning: Adds information casually.
Explanation: Informal and concise.
Example: The room is spacious, plus it has a great view.
Best Use: Everyday conversation, friendly writing.
Tone: Relaxed, conversational.
24. Likewise
Meaning: Shows that the next idea is equally valid.
Explanation: Common in essays and professional writing.
Example: He values transparency; likewise, his team appreciates honesty.
Best Use: Formal or semi-formal contexts.
Tone: Respectful, professional.
25. In combination with
Meaning: Indicates that two factors work together for a stronger result.
Explanation: Ideal for analytical or technical writing.
Example: Experience in combination with training produces the best outcomes.
Best Use: Academic, research, or professional tone.
Tone: Logical, formal.
Conclusion
The phrase “not only” is useful but can sound repetitive in formal or creative writing. Substituting it with options like “as well as,” “in addition to,” “coupled with,” or “together with” adds sophistication and flow.
For formal contexts, choose structured transitions like “moreover” or “in combination with.”
For casual or conversational tone, use “on top of that,” “what’s more,” or “not to mention.”
Varying your expressions not only enhances readability—but also reflects depth, clarity, and confidence in your communication.
