The phrasesynonyms for not only is widely used in English to connect ideas, emphasize an additional fact, or show that something is true beyond what was first mentioned. It often appears in the familiar structure “not only… but also…”, but there are many situations where writers may want a different expression.
For example, instead of saying:
The company offers not only affordable products but also excellent customer support.
you could write:
The company offers affordable products as well as excellent customer support.
Or:
The company offers affordable products in addition to excellent customer support.
The best alternative depends on what you want to emphasize. Some expressions, such as also and as well as, are natural and flexible. Others, such as moreover, furthermore, and additionally, work better when connecting complete ideas. Phrases like besides, along with, coupled with, and together with are useful when adding information without using the traditional “not only… but also…” construction.
It is also important to understand that “not only” does not always have a perfect one-word synonym. Sometimes the sentence needs to be rewritten rather than replacing the phrase word for word. In formal writing, restructuring the sentence can make the meaning clearer and more natural.
This guide explores more than 40 useful synonyms and alternatives for “not only,” explains how they differ, provides examples, discusses formal and informal options, and shows how to replace “not only… but also…” in different types of writing.
What Does “Not Only” Mean?
Not only is used to indicate that something is true in addition to another fact.
The most common structure is:
Not only X, but also Y.
For example:
She is not only intelligent but also creative.
This tells the reader that she has both qualities.
Another example is:
The hotel is not only affordable but also comfortable.
The phrase emphasizes that the hotel has two positive characteristics.
However, not only can also appear without but also:
Not only did he finish the project, but he also presented it to the client.
The phrase adds emphasis and highlights an additional fact.
Because not only performs a grammatical and rhetorical function, alternatives often need to be phrases rather than single words.
1. As Well As
As well as is one of the closest and most natural alternatives to “not only… but also.”
She is intelligent as well as creative.
It means that both qualities apply.
Example
Original:
The course teaches not only grammar but also vocabulary.
Alternative:
The course teaches grammar as well as vocabulary.
As well as is useful in both everyday and professional writing.
2. In Addition To
In addition to means something is included along with another thing.
In addition to grammar, the course teaches vocabulary.
It is particularly useful in formal and academic writing.
Example
In addition to providing affordable products, the company offers excellent customer support.
This sentence avoids the “not only… but also…” construction while preserving the meaning.
3. Also
Also is one of the simplest alternatives for adding another fact.
She is talented and also hardworking.
It is common in everyday, academic, and professional writing.
Example
Instead of:
The product is not only affordable but also durable.
You could write:
The product is affordable and also durable.
However, also may not provide the same emphasis as not only.
4. Additionally
Additionally is a formal transition used to introduce another fact or point.
The software is easy to use. Additionally, it is affordable.
It is especially useful in:
- Essays
- Reports
- Business writing
- Research
- Professional communication
Unlike not only, it usually connects separate statements rather than creating a paired grammatical structure.
5. Moreover
Moreover adds another supporting point, often one that strengthens the previous statement.
The product is affordable. Moreover, it is highly durable.
It is common in formal writing.
Best used for:
- Academic essays
- Reports
- Formal arguments
- Analytical writing
Moreover often has a stronger rhetorical effect than simply saying also.
6. Furthermore
Furthermore is another formal way to introduce additional information.
The policy reduces costs. Furthermore, it improves efficiency.
It works especially well when building an argument.
Difference from “not only”
Not only typically joins two related elements inside one sentence.
Furthermore usually introduces an additional sentence or independent point.
7. Besides
Besides means “in addition to” or “apart from.”
Besides being affordable, the product is durable.
It is useful in both conversational and written English.
Example
Instead of:
The product is not only affordable but also durable.
You could write:
Besides being affordable, the product is durable.
The structure changes, but the basic idea remains.
8. Along With
Along with means together with or in addition to.
Along with providing training, the company offers career guidance.
It is natural and flexible.
Example
Along with excellent service, the hotel provides comfortable rooms.
This can replace:
The hotel provides not only excellent service but also comfortable rooms.
9. Together With
Together with emphasizes that two things are included or considered jointly.
Together with training, employees receive ongoing support.
It is particularly useful when two elements work together.
10. Coupled With
Coupled with means combined with or accompanied by.
Affordable pricing, coupled with excellent service, makes the company competitive.
It is more formal and is particularly useful in analytical and professional writing.
Best used for:
- Reports
- Business writing
- Academic writing
- Analysis
- Formal descriptions
11. Combined With
Combined with emphasizes that two or more things work together.
Low costs, combined with high quality, make the product attractive.
It is a useful alternative when the two qualities jointly create an outcome.
12. Plus
Plus means in addition to and is relatively informal.
The apartment is affordable, plus it is close to downtown.
It works well in casual writing and conversation.
It is generally less suitable for formal academic writing.
13. And Also
And also can be used to add another fact.
The company sells clothing and also provides tailoring services.
It is simple and natural, although in polished writing, also or as well as may often sound smoother.
14. Not Just… But Also
Not just… but also is one of the closest stylistic alternatives to “not only… but also.”
She is not just intelligent but also creative.
The meaning is nearly identical.
It can sound slightly more conversational than not only… but also.
Example
The restaurant is not just affordable but also elegant.
This emphasizes that the restaurant offers more than the first quality mentioned.
15. Not Merely… But Also
Not merely… but also is a more formal version of the same construction.
The policy is not merely effective but also affordable.
It works well in:
- Academic writing
- Formal essays
- Professional reports
- Analytical writing
Merely means “only” or “simply,” so this construction emphasizes that something goes beyond a basic quality.
16. Not Simply… But Also
Not simply… but also is another formal alternative.
The program is not simply educational but also practical.
It emphasizes that the subject has additional qualities beyond the obvious or basic one.
17. Not Just… Also
In some sentences, you can simplify the construction:
The program is not just educational; it is also practical.
This is clear and natural.
The semicolon separates the two related ideas while maintaining the contrast-and-addition structure.
18. In Addition
In addition is a formal transition meaning “also” or “as another point.”
The company offers competitive prices. In addition, it provides free delivery.
It is particularly useful in essays, reports, and business documents.
19. As Well
As well can mean “also.”
She speaks Spanish as well.
It is common in everyday English, particularly in British English, although it is understood widely in American English too.
Example
The company offers delivery as well.
It is less direct than “not only… but also” but works well when the additional information is already clear.
20. Too
Too can be used at the end of a sentence to add another fact.
The product is affordable and durable, too.
It is informal and conversational.
It is generally not a direct replacement for the full “not only… but also…” structure.
21. Likewise
Likewise means similarly or in the same way.
The first product is affordable. Likewise, the second product offers good value.
It can sometimes serve a similar connective purpose but does not have exactly the same meaning as not only.
22. Similarly
Similarly introduces something comparable to what was previously mentioned.
The first method is effective. Similarly, the second method produces strong results.
It should be used when the second point resembles the first.
23. Beyond
Beyond can replace a “not only” construction when emphasizing that something extends past a particular quality, level, or purpose.
The program goes beyond teaching basic skills.
This communicates that the program does more than the basic activity.
Example
Instead of:
The course not only teaches grammar but also develops writing skills.
You could write:
The course goes beyond grammar instruction by developing writing skills.
This creates a more concise and sophisticated sentence.
24. More Than
More than can emphasize that something exceeds a basic expectation or category.
The program is more than a training course; it is a complete professional development system.
This is especially useful in marketing and descriptive writing.
25. In Addition To Being
In addition to being is useful when adding a second adjective or characteristic.
In addition to being affordable, the product is durable.
It is a natural alternative to:
The product is not only affordable but also durable.
This construction works particularly well in formal writing.
26. Besides Being
Besides being introduces another characteristic.
Besides being affordable, the product is easy to use.
It is concise and natural.
27. Alongside
Alongside means together with or next to.
Alongside traditional methods, the company uses modern technology.
It is useful when discussing two approaches, systems, activities, or ideas.
Best used for:
- Business
- Education
- Technology
- Policy
- Research
28. Accompanied By
Accompanied by means occurring together with something else.
The training program is accompanied by ongoing technical support.
It works well when one thing is provided together with another.
29. Supported By
Supported by can introduce an additional element that strengthens or assists the first.
The strategy is supported by extensive market research.
This is useful when the second element provides evidence or reinforcement.
30. Supplemented By
Supplemented by means enhanced or completed by an additional element.
The textbook is supplemented by online exercises.
This is especially useful in education, publishing, business, and technical writing.
31. Enriched By
Enriched by means made better, fuller, or more valuable by an additional element.
The course is enriched by practical workshops.
This is useful when the additional feature improves the original thing.
32. Enhanced By
Enhanced by means improved through the addition of something.
The customer experience is enhanced by personalized support.
It is a useful alternative when the second element improves the first.
33. Featuring
Featuring can introduce additional elements included in a product, event, service, or experience.
The package includes a comfortable hotel stay, featuring complimentary breakfast and airport transportation.
It is common in marketing and promotional writing.
34. Including
Including can introduce one or more additional examples or elements.
The program covers several subjects, including writing and communication.
It is useful when the additional items are part of a larger category.
35. Incorporating
Incorporating means including something as part of a larger whole.
The program incorporates both traditional and modern teaching methods.
It is useful in formal and professional writing.
36. Containing
Containing means having something as part of a whole.
The package contains training materials as well as technical support.
It is useful for products, packages, documents, and collections.
37. Offering Both
Offering both is a direct way to express that two things are available.
The company offers both affordability and quality.
This can replace:
The company is not only affordable but also high quality.
It is particularly useful in business and marketing writing.
38. Providing Both
Providing both emphasizes that two services, benefits, or features are supplied.
The program provides both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
This is natural in academic, educational, and professional contexts.
39. Featuring Both
Featuring both is useful when describing two notable elements.
The course features both lectures and hands-on activities.
It is particularly appropriate for programs, events, products, and services.
40. Consisting of Both
Consisting of both emphasizes that something is made up of two categories or components.
The training consists of both theoretical and practical sessions.
It is useful when describing structure rather than simply adding information.
41. Embracing Both
Embracing both means accepting, including, or incorporating two different ideas or approaches.
The strategy embraces both innovation and sustainability.
It is more expressive and often works well in professional or persuasive writing.
42. Covering Both
Covering both means addressing two subjects or areas.
The course covers both theory and practical application.
It is useful in education, reports, articles, and presentations.
43. Addressing Both
Addressing both means dealing with two issues, needs, or subjects.
The proposal addresses both cost and efficiency.
It is especially useful in formal and analytical writing.
44. Including but Not Limited To
Including but not limited to indicates that the listed examples are not the only possibilities.
The program covers several areas, including but not limited to communication, leadership, and teamwork.
This phrase is more specialized than not only and is often found in legal, business, and formal documents.
45. Beyond Simply
Beyond simply emphasizes that something goes further than a basic function.
The platform goes beyond simply storing information.
It is useful when you want to show that something offers additional value.
46. More Than Just
More than just is a natural and conversational alternative.
The course is more than just a collection of lessons.
It emphasizes that something offers greater value or purpose than expected.
47. In Addition to This
In addition to this is a useful transitional phrase when adding another related point.
The system is easy to use. In addition to this, it requires very little maintenance.
It is more suitable for connecting sentences than for replacing not only within a single grammatical structure.
48. As an Added Benefit
As an added benefit introduces an additional advantage.
The service is affordable. As an added benefit, it includes free delivery.
This is particularly useful in marketing and business writing.
49. What’s More
What’s more introduces another point, often one that strengthens the previous statement.
The hotel is affordable. What’s more, it is located near the city center.
It is less formal than moreover or furthermore.
50. On Top of That
On top of that is an informal phrase meaning “in addition.”
The apartment is affordable, and on top of that, it has a great location.
It works well in conversations and casual writing but is less appropriate for formal academic work.
How to Replace “Not Only… But Also”
The most important point is that “not only” does not always need a direct replacement. Sometimes the entire sentence can be rewritten.
Original
The company is not only affordable but also reliable.
Using “as well as”
The company is affordable as well as reliable.
Using “in addition to”
In addition to being affordable, the company is reliable.
Using “also”
The company is affordable and also reliable.
Using “more than”
The company is more than affordable; it is highly reliable.
Using “both”
The company is both affordable and reliable.
The last option is particularly useful because both…and can preserve the idea that two qualities apply equally.
“Both…And” as an Alternative
One of the strongest grammatical alternatives to not only…but also is both…and.
She is not only talented but also hardworking.
can become:
She is both talented and hardworking.
Another example:
The program not only improves communication but also develops leadership skills.
can become:
The program both improves communication and develops leadership skills.
Both…and is concise, clear, and grammatically balanced.
“Either…Or” Is Not a Synonym
Writers should be careful not to confuse not only…but also with either…or.
Not only…but also means both things are true:
She is not only talented but also experienced.
Either…or presents alternatives:
She is either talented or experienced.
These structures communicate different meanings and should not be used interchangeably.
“Neither…Nor” Is Not a Synonym
Similarly, neither…nor expresses that two things are both false.
She is neither inexperienced nor unprepared.
This is different from:
She is not only experienced but also prepared.
Understanding these paired conjunctions helps prevent grammatical and logical errors.
Formal Alternatives to “Not Only”
For formal writing, useful alternatives include:
- in addition to
- additionally
- moreover
- furthermore
- coupled with
- combined with
- alongside
- supplemented by
- in addition
- beyond
- incorporating
- providing both
- addressing both
Example
Informal:
The system is easy to use, plus it is affordable.
Formal:
The system is easy to use. Furthermore, it is affordable.
Or:
In addition to being easy to use, the system is affordable.
Casual Alternatives to “Not Only”
In everyday conversation, these alternatives are natural:
- also
- as well
- too
- plus
- besides
- on top of that
- what’s more
- not just…but also
- more than just
Example
The movie is funny, plus it has a great story.
This is conversational and natural.
Common Mistakes When Replacing “Not Only”
Replacing it with “also” without restructuring
Not every sentence works by simply removing not only and inserting also.
Incorrect or awkward:
She also talented but creative.
Better:
She is talented and also creative.
Or:
She is not only talented but also creative.
Forgetting parallel structure
The elements after not only and but also should generally have matching grammatical forms.
Correct:
She is not only intelligent but also creative.
Both elements are adjectives.
Also correct:
She not only writes articles but also edits them.
Both elements are verb phrases.
Awkward:
She not only writes articles but also professional editing.
The grammatical structures do not match.
Using “moreover” as a direct grammatical replacement
You cannot always replace:
The product is not only affordable but also reliable.
with:
The product is moreover affordable but reliable.
Instead, restructure:
The product is affordable. Moreover, it is reliable.
Overusing formal transitions
Words such as moreover, furthermore, and additionally are useful, but using them repeatedly can make writing sound stiff.
Use also, as well as, or in addition to when they communicate the meaning more naturally.
Using “besides” when the meaning is unclear
Besides can mean “in addition to,” but it can also mean “except for” or introduce a reason.
Because of this, formal writing may benefit from the clearer phrase in addition to.
Best Alternatives to “Not Only” by Context
| Context | Best Alternatives |
|---|---|
| General writing | as well as, also, in addition to |
| Academic writing | moreover, furthermore, additionally |
| Business writing | in addition to, as well as, coupled with |
| Casual writing | plus, also, besides, on top of that |
| Marketing | more than just, offering both, featuring both |
| Formal reports | additionally, furthermore, in addition |
| Descriptions | as well as, along with, together with |
| Two equal qualities | both…and |
| Showing extra value | beyond, more than, more than just |
| Adding benefits | as an added benefit, additionally |
| Professional writing | alongside, combined with, supplemented by |
FAQs
What is the best synonym for “not only”?
There is no single synonym that works in every sentence. As well as, in addition to, also, besides, and not just…but also are among the closest alternatives. For two equally important qualities, both…and is often a strong replacement.
What can I say instead of “not only…but also”?
You can use as well as, both…and, in addition to, also, besides, along with, coupled with, or more than just, depending on the sentence. Sometimes the best solution is to rewrite the sentence completely.
Is “as well as” the same as “not only…but also”?
They can have very similar meanings, especially when connecting two qualities, actions, or objects. For example, “She is intelligent as well as creative” communicates a similar idea to “She is not only intelligent but also creative.” However, not only…but also usually creates stronger emphasis.
What is a formal alternative to “not only”?
Formal alternatives include in addition to, furthermore, moreover, additionally, coupled with, and combined with. The correct choice depends on whether you are connecting words within a sentence or adding a separate supporting point.
Can “both…and” replace “not only…but also”?
Yes. Both…and is often one of the clearest alternatives.
She is not only intelligent but also creative.
can become:
She is both intelligent and creative.
The two structures communicate that both qualities apply.
What is a casual alternative to “not only”?
Casual alternatives include plus, also, besides, on top of that, what’s more, and not just…but also. For example, “The phone is affordable, plus it has a great camera” sounds conversational.
What is the difference between “not only” and “in addition to”?
Not only…but also creates a paired structure that emphasizes two related facts. In addition to simply adds one thing to another.
She is not only talented but also hardworking.
In addition to being talented, she is hardworking.
The meanings are similar, but the grammatical structures are different.
Conclusion
The phrase “not only” is useful for emphasizing that something has an additional quality, feature, action, or benefit. However, it does not have one universal synonym because its meaning depends heavily on sentence structure and context.
Common alternatives include as well as, in addition to, also, besides, along with, additionally, moreover, furthermore, and both…and. In formal writing, in addition to, furthermore, moreover, and additionally can create a polished tone. In casual writing, plus, also, besides, and on top of that may sound more natural.
When replacing “not only…but also,” always consider grammatical structure. Sometimes a direct substitution works, while in other cases the sentence should be completely reorganized. The most important goal is clarity. Choose the expression that naturally connects your ideas and accurately communicates whether you are adding information, emphasizing two qualities, showing an extra benefit, or demonstrating that something goes beyond expectations.