Have you ever felt stuck using “not only…but also” again and again in your writing? This phrase is useful, but using it too much can make your writing sound repetitive. English has many fresh ways to express the same idea of adding extra information or emphasis.
Choosing the right words changes how people see you. A formal email needs polished language. A text to a friend needs something light and casual. Word choice shapes tone, professionalism, and clarity in every message you send.
Here’s a quick example. Formal: “The product is not only affordable but also durable.” Informal: “This thing’s cheap and it lasts forever too.” Same meaning, totally different feeling.
This guide gives you over 24 natural alternatives so you can sound confident, varied, and professional in any situation.
What Does “Not Only But Also” Mean?
“Not only…but also” is a correlative conjunction. It connects two related ideas and adds emphasis to the second one. Students use it to show that something has two important qualities or facts, not just one.
Synonyms include phrases like “as well as,” “along with,” and “in addition to.” Its opposite tone would be a phrase that downplays connection, like “but” alone, which feels weaker and less emphatic.
Sample sentences: She is not only smart but also kind. The hotel offers not only great rooms but also excellent service.
When to Use “Not Only But Also”
Spoken English People use it naturally in conversation to stress two points, though shorter alternatives often sound more relaxed when speaking.
Business English This phrase works well in proposals, reports, and presentations to highlight dual benefits of a product or idea.
Emails and Messages It adds a professional tone when listing two strengths or features in a formal email.
Social Media It can feel a bit stiff here. Casual alternatives like “plus” or “and also” fit better.
Academic Writing This is one of the best places for the phrase. It signals strong, structured argumentation.
Professional Meetings Useful for emphasizing two key outcomes or benefits during a pitch or discussion.
Is “Not Only But Also” Polite or Professional?
This phrase sits comfortably in the formal to neutral range. It isn’t rude, but it can sound a little academic or stiff in casual chats.
Polite: Yes, always appropriate. Neutral: Works well in everyday professional writing. Strong: It does carry emphasis, so use it when you want to highlight importance. Soft: Not particularly soft, but not harsh either.
Etiquette tip: Great for workplace reports and formal emails. In casual texts or quick chats, simpler alternatives feel more natural.
Pros & Cons of Using “Not Only But Also”
✔ Pros: Adds clear emphasis to two connected ideas Sounds professional and structured Works well in writing and speech Easy to learn and apply correctly
✘ Cons: Can sound repetitive if overused Feels too formal for casual conversations Sentence structure requires careful grammar (inversion in formal writing) May sound robotic in everyday speech
Quick Alternatives List
As well as Along with In addition to Plus On top of that Together with Coupled with Besides What’s more Furthermore Moreover Not just…but Both…and In conjunction with Alongside And also As much as Together with the fact that Apart from Aside from In addition Additionally Likewise Similarly
Alternatives to “Not Only But Also”
As Well As
Meaning: Used to add extra information alongside the main point.
Explanation: This phrase feels natural and slightly more casual than “not only but also,” yet still works in professional writing. It doesn’t require special sentence inversion, making it easier to use correctly.
Grammar Note: Conjunction phrase, used to connect two nouns, verbs, or clauses.
Example Sentence: The manager handles scheduling as well as budgeting.
Best Use: Emails, reports, spoken English
Worst Use: Highly formal academic essays where stronger structure is expected
Tone: Neutral
Level: Beginner
Similarity Score: 9/10
Replaceability Tip: Use this when you want a smoother, simpler version of “not only but also.”
In Addition To
Meaning: Adding something extra to what was already mentioned.
Explanation: This phrase is common in formal and academic writing. It signals a clear, structured addition without strong emotional weight.
Grammar Note: Prepositional phrase.
Example Sentence: In addition to her degree, she has years of field experience.
Best Use: Academic writing, business reports
Worst Use: Casual texting
Tone: Formal
Level: Intermediate
Similarity Score: 8/10
Replaceability Tip: Best for formal documents needing a clean, professional tone.
Along With
Meaning: Together with something else.
Explanation: This is a softer, friendlier way to connect two ideas. It feels natural in both speech and writing.
Grammar Note: Preposition.
Example Sentence: Along with the report, she submitted a summary.
Best Use: Everyday writing, emails
Worst Use: Highly formal legal documents
Tone: Friendly, Neutral
Level: Beginner
Similarity Score: 8/10
Replaceability Tip: Great for casual professional writing.
On Top Of That
Meaning: In addition to what was just mentioned, often with a surprised or emphatic tone.
Explanation: This phrase is conversational and energetic. It works well when sharing exciting or surprising extra information.
Grammar Note: Idiomatic phrase.
Example Sentence: He finished the project early, and on top of that, he helped his teammate too.
Best Use: Spoken English, casual writing
Worst Use: Formal reports
Tone: Strong, Friendly
Level: Intermediate
Similarity Score: 7/10
Replaceability Tip: Use this to sound expressive and natural in conversation.
Furthermore
Meaning: Used to add another important point.
Explanation: This is a strong academic connector. It signals that the next idea builds on the previous one with importance.
Grammar Note: Adverb, sentence connector.
Example Sentence: The plan saves money. Furthermore, it reduces waste.
Best Use: Academic essays, formal reports
Worst Use: Texting, casual chat
Tone: Formal
Level: Advanced
Similarity Score: 7/10
Replaceability Tip: Best when starting a new formal sentence rather than joining one.
Moreover
Meaning: Adds another related and often stronger point.
Explanation: Similar to “furthermore,” this word fits academic and professional contexts. It shows logical progression.
Grammar Note: Adverb.
Example Sentence: The design is efficient. Moreover, it’s cost-effective.
Best Use: Essays, professional documents
Worst Use: Casual speech
Tone: Formal
Level: Advanced
Similarity Score: 7/10
Replaceability Tip: Use for academic writing requiring strong logical flow.
Besides
Meaning: In addition to, often used to add a final supporting point.
Explanation: This word can sound casual or slightly dismissive depending on context, often used to add a quick extra reason.
Grammar Note: Adverb or preposition.
Example Sentence: Besides being affordable, the service is fast.
Best Use: Conversation, informal writing
Worst Use: Strict formal essays
Tone: Neutral, slightly casual
Level: Intermediate
Similarity Score: 7/10
Replaceability Tip: Good for adding a quick, casual extra reason.
What’s More
Meaning: Adding an extra, often surprising or impressive point.
Explanation: This phrase feels warm and conversational. It works well in storytelling or persuasive writing.
Grammar Note: Idiomatic transition phrase.
Example Sentence: The food was delicious. What’s more, the prices were low.
Best Use: Blog posts, casual writing, speech
Worst Use: Strict academic essays
Tone: Friendly
Level: Intermediate
Similarity Score: 7/10
Replaceability Tip: Use for engaging, persuasive writing.
Both…And
Meaning: Shows two things are true or present together.
Explanation: This structure highlights equal importance between two ideas, without extra emphasis on the second one.
Grammar Note: Correlative conjunction.
Example Sentence: She is both talented and humble.
Best Use: General writing, speech
Worst Use: When strong emphasis on the second item is needed
Tone: Neutral
Level: Beginner
Similarity Score: 6/10
Replaceability Tip: Use when both points carry equal weight.
Coupled With
Meaning: Combined with another factor.
Explanation: This phrase sounds professional and analytical, often used in reports or technical writing.
Grammar Note: Past participle phrase.
Example Sentence: Low rainfall, coupled with high temperatures, hurt the crops.
Best Use: Reports, technical writing
Worst Use: Everyday conversation
Tone: Formal
Level: Advanced
Similarity Score: 7/10
Replaceability Tip: Use in analytical or scientific writing.
Together With
Meaning: Along with, accompanying another item.
Explanation: Neutral and clear, this phrase works in both spoken and written English without sounding too formal or too casual.
Grammar Note: Preposition.
Example Sentence: The invoice, together with the receipt, was emailed.
Best Use: Business communication
Worst Use: Creative writing
Tone: Neutral
Level: Beginner
Similarity Score: 7/10
Replaceability Tip: Great for clear, professional listing.
Plus
Meaning: A casual way to add extra information.
Explanation: Very common in spoken English, “plus” feels relaxed and friendly. It’s a quick way to add a thought.
Grammar Note: Conjunction (informal).
Example Sentence: The apartment is spacious, plus it’s close to the train.
Best Use: Texting, casual chat
Worst Use: Formal essays, official emails
Tone: Casual
Level: Beginner
Similarity Score: 6/10
Replaceability Tip: Use only in informal settings.
Apart From
Meaning: In addition to, excluding the main item already mentioned.
Explanation: This phrase can sound formal and is often used to highlight something extra beyond the obvious.
Grammar Note: Preposition.
Example Sentence: Apart from her job, she also volunteers weekly.
Best Use: Formal speech, writing
Worst Use: Quick texts
Tone: Formal, Neutral
Level: Intermediate
Similarity Score: 7/10
Replaceability Tip: Good for highlighting something beyond the main topic.
Aside From
Meaning: Similar to “apart from,” adding extra information.
Explanation: Common in American English, this phrase fits both spoken and written contexts comfortably.
Grammar Note: Preposition.
Example Sentence: Aside from cooking, she enjoys painting.
Best Use: Conversation, casual writing
Worst Use: Strict legal documents
Tone: Neutral
Level: Intermediate
Similarity Score: 7/10
Replaceability Tip: Use as a natural American English alternative.
Additionally
Meaning: A formal word meaning “also” or “in addition.”
Explanation: Common in business writing, this word adds a clean, professional tone without sounding too stiff.
Grammar Note: Adverb.
Example Sentence: Additionally, the team improved customer response time.
Best Use: Business emails, reports
Worst Use: Casual chat
Tone: Formal
Level: Intermediate
Similarity Score: 8/10
Replaceability Tip: Great for formal emails listing extra points.
Likewise
Meaning: In the same way, also.
Explanation: This word shows similarity between two ideas rather than just addition, giving it a slightly different nuance.
Grammar Note: Adverb.
Example Sentence: The first plan worked well; likewise, the second one succeeded.
Best Use: Formal writing, comparisons
Worst Use: Casual conversation
Tone: Formal
Level: Advanced
Similarity Score: 6/10
Replaceability Tip: Use when comparing similar outcomes.
Similarly
Meaning: In a similar way, also true.
Explanation: Often used in academic writing to connect related ideas with a comparative tone.
Grammar Note: Adverb.
Example Sentence: The first method failed. Similarly, the second attempt didn’t work.
Best Use: Essays, comparisons
Worst Use: Everyday speech
Tone: Formal
Level: Advanced
Similarity Score: 6/10
Replaceability Tip: Best when results or ideas resemble each other.
And Also
Meaning: A simple, direct way to add information.
Explanation: This is the most basic alternative, perfect for beginners or casual writing.
Grammar Note: Conjunction.
Example Sentence: She speaks French and also Spanish.
Best Use: Beginner writing, casual chat
Worst Use: Formal essays
Tone: Casual
Level: Beginner
Similarity Score: 7/10
Replaceability Tip: Use for simple, clear communication.
In Conjunction With
Meaning: Working together with something else.
Explanation: A formal, often technical phrase used to describe two things functioning together.
Grammar Note: Prepositional phrase.
Example Sentence: The new policy works in conjunction with existing rules.
Best Use: Legal, business writing
Worst Use: Casual speech
Tone: Formal
Level: Advanced
Similarity Score: 6/10
Replaceability Tip: Use for official or technical contexts.
Alongside
Meaning: Together with, at the same time as.
Explanation: This word feels modern and smooth, fitting both professional and everyday contexts.
Grammar Note: Preposition.
Example Sentence: She works alongside the marketing team.
Best Use: Workplace writing, conversation
Worst Use: Strict legal documents
Tone: Neutral
Level: Intermediate
Similarity Score: 7/10
Replaceability Tip: Great for describing teamwork or collaboration.
Not Just…But
Meaning: A shorter, more relaxed version of “not only but also.”
Explanation: This keeps the emphasis structure but feels lighter and more conversational.
Grammar Note: Correlative conjunction.
Example Sentence: It’s not just expensive, but also unnecessary.
Best Use: Speech, blog writing
Worst Use: Strict formal essays
Tone: Neutral, Friendly
Level: Intermediate
Similarity Score: 9/10
Replaceability Tip: Use as a near-identical, slightly casual swap.
As Much As
Meaning: Emphasizes equal or strong presence of two qualities.
Explanation: This phrase adds emotional emphasis, often used to highlight surprising equality between two traits.
Grammar Note: Adverbial phrase.
Example Sentence: As much as she is talented, she is also humble.
Best Use: Persuasive writing, speech
Worst Use: Simple factual statements
Tone: Strong
Level: Advanced
Similarity Score: 6/10
Replaceability Tip: Use for emotional or persuasive emphasis.
Combined With
Meaning: Joined together with another factor.
Explanation: Common in analytical or scientific contexts, showing how two elements interact.
Grammar Note: Past participle phrase.
Example Sentence: Hard work combined with talent led to success.
Best Use: Reports, analysis
Worst Use: Casual chat
Tone: Formal
Level: Advanced
Similarity Score: 7/10
Replaceability Tip: Use when showing cause-and-effect relationships.
In Addition
Meaning: A standalone phrase meaning “also” or “as well.”
Explanation: Slightly more formal than “also,” this works well at the start of a new sentence.
Grammar Note: Adverbial phrase.
Example Sentence: In addition, the company plans to expand next year.
Best Use: Reports, formal emails
Worst Use: Texting
Tone: Formal
Level: Intermediate
Similarity Score: 8/10
Replaceability Tip: Great sentence starter for formal writing.
Together With The Fact That
Meaning: Combined with the additional reality that something is true.
Explanation: A longer, more descriptive phrase, useful when explaining layered reasoning in formal contexts.
Grammar Note: Complex prepositional phrase.
Example Sentence: Her experience, together with the fact that she’s bilingual, made her perfect for the role.
Best Use: Detailed reports, essays
Worst Use: Quick conversation
Tone: Formal
Level: Advanced
Similarity Score: 7/10
Replaceability Tip: Use when explaining detailed, layered reasoning.
Mini Dialogue Examples
Formal Dialogue A: How would you describe the candidate? B: She is highly skilled, as well as extremely dependable.
Informal Dialogue A: How was the trip? B: It was fun, plus the food was amazing!
Business Email-Style Example “Please note that the new system improves efficiency. Additionally, it reduces operational costs significantly.”
Mistakes to Avoid
Forgetting subject-verb inversion in formal “not only” sentences Using “plus” in formal business emails Overusing “furthermore” until writing sounds robotic Mixing casual and formal connectors in the same paragraph Using “likewise” when simple addition, not comparison, is meant Repeating the same connector throughout an entire essay Choosing overly complex phrases for simple ideas
Cultural & Tone Tips
In UK English, phrases like “moreover” and “furthermore” appear often in academic and business writing. In US English, casual connectors like “plus” and “on top of that” are common even in semi-professional speech. In casual social English worldwide, short connectors like “and also” or “plus” feel friendliest and most natural.
Comparison Table
| Phrase | Tone | Best Context | Professional Level | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| As well as | Neutral | Emails, reports | High | She manages sales as well as marketing. |
| In addition to | Formal | Academic, business | High | In addition to teaching, he writes books. |
| Plus | Casual | Texting, chat | Low | It’s cheap, plus it’s fast. |
| What’s more | Friendly | Blogs, speech | Medium | What’s more, the staff were lovely. |
| Furthermore | Formal | Essays, reports | High | Furthermore, sales increased by 20%. |
| Alongside | Neutral | Workplace | Medium-High | She works alongside the design team. |
| Not just…but | Neutral | Speech, blogs | Medium | It’s not just useful, but also affordable. |
Not Only … But Also Meaning
“Not only … but also” is a paired conjunction used to connect two related ideas, facts, qualities, actions, or situations. It emphasizes that something includes two important points instead of just one. The phrase adds strength, balance, and emphasis to writing.
For example:
She is not only intelligent but also hardworking.
This sentence means that her intelligence is one positive quality, and her hardworking nature is another equally important quality.
The structure shows that both ideas are true and deserve attention. It is commonly used in academic writing, essays, professional communication, and everyday conversations because it creates a stronger connection between ideas.
Basic structure:
Not only + first idea + but also + second idea
Examples:
- He is not only a talented writer but also an excellent speaker.
- The course is not only educational but also practical.
- They not only completed the project but also improved its quality.
In formal writing, “not only … but also” helps writers present multiple advantages, characteristics, or arguments in a clear and organized way.
Not Only … But Also in a Sentence
Using “not only … but also” correctly can make sentences more powerful and expressive. It is often used when the writer wants to highlight two connected facts.
Examples:
- She is not only creative but also highly disciplined.
- The book is not only informative but also inspiring.
- He not only solved the problem but also explained the solution clearly.
- This technology is not only advanced but also environmentally friendly.
- The teacher not only guides students but also motivates them.
- The city is not only beautiful but also culturally rich.
- They not only achieved their goals but also exceeded expectations.
- The research is not only detailed but also reliable.
- Learning English is not only useful but also enjoyable.
- Success requires not only talent but also dedication.
The phrase can be used with adjectives, verbs, nouns, and complete ideas.
Other Ways to Say Not Only But Also
Although “not only … but also” is widely accepted, writers sometimes use alternative expressions to avoid repetition and create variety.
Here are some professional alternatives:
- As well as
- Along with
- In addition to
- Besides
- Furthermore
- Moreover
- Additionally
- Together with
- Combined with
- Coupled with
- Not merely … but also
- Not simply … but also
- Both … and
- More than just
- Beyond
- Added to this
- Equally important
- At the same time
- Likewise
- Similarly
Examples:
Original:
She is not only talented but also hardworking.
Alternative sentences:
- She is talented as well as hardworking.
- She is both talented and hardworking.
- In addition to being talented, she is hardworking.
- She is not merely talented but also hardworking.
Other Ways to Say Not Only But Also in a Sentence
Different situations require different expressions. In essays and professional writing, you can replace “not only … but also” with stronger transitions.
Examples:
Instead of:
The program is not only affordable but also effective.
You can write:
- The program is affordable as well as effective.
- The program offers both affordability and effectiveness.
- The program provides affordability in addition to effectiveness.
- The program is valuable because it is affordable and effective.
- The program combines affordability with excellent results.
Instead of:
The leader not only inspired people but also created change.
You can write:
- The leader inspired people and created meaningful change.
- The leader achieved inspiration along with positive transformation.
- The leader created change in addition to inspiring others.
Another Word for “But Also” in an Essay
The phrase “but also” can be replaced with several formal alternatives depending on the sentence.
Professional alternatives include:
- As well as
- In addition
- Additionally
- Furthermore
- Moreover
- Along with
- Together with
- Also
- Likewise
- Similarly
- Equally
- Combined with
- Added to this
- Besides
Examples:
Original:
The method is simple but also effective.
Formal alternatives:
- The method is simple as well as effective.
- The method is simple and equally effective.
- The method is simple; moreover, it is effective.
- The method is simple in addition to being effective.
Another Word for “Not Only” in an Essay
The phrase “not only” can be replaced with formal expressions that provide emphasis.
Alternatives include:
- Not merely
- Not simply
- More than just
- Beyond simply
- In addition to
- Besides
- Along with
- As well as
- Including
- Combined with
Examples:
Original:
Not only does education provide knowledge, but it also develops confidence.
Alternatives:
- Education provides more than just knowledge; it also develops confidence.
- Beyond providing knowledge, education develops confidence.
- Education offers knowledge as well as confidence development.
Not Only Synonym Formal
In academic and professional writing, formal synonyms for “not only” include:
- Not merely
- Not simply
- Beyond
- More than just
- In addition to
- Alongside
- Together with
- As well as
These alternatives help writers avoid repetition and create a more sophisticated style.
Example:
Informal:
This experience was not only helpful but also memorable.
Formal:
This experience was not merely helpful but also memorable.
Using “not only … but also” effectively helps writers emphasize important ideas, create balanced sentences, and make essays more powerful and professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is another way to say “not only but also”?
A refined alternative to “not only but also” is “not merely…but also,” “both…and,” or “as well as.” These expressions create a more polished and professional tone in formal communication.
What is a fancy word for “not only”?
A more sophisticated way to express “not only” is “not merely,” “not solely,” or “beyond simply.” These phrases add depth and elegance to written and spoken English.
What are the 4 types of conjunctions?
The four major types of conjunctions are coordinating conjunctions, subordinating conjunctions, correlative conjunctions, and conjunctive adverbs. Each type connects ideas while showing different relationships between words, phrases, or sentences.
How do you say “not only” in a formal way?
In formal writing, “not only” can be replaced with expressions such as “not merely,” “not exclusively,” or “not limited to.” These alternatives make your language more precise and professional.
Conclusion
Learning different ways to say “not only but also” helps you sound more natural, confident, and skilled in English. Each alternative carries its own tone, from casual chats to formal reports. Practicing these phrases in real conversations, emails, and essays will improve your fluency and make your writing stand out. Try using a few new alternatives this week and notice how your communication becomes clearer and more professional.
Riaz Ahmad is the founder and writer at DefineGrammar.com, dedicated to simplifying English grammar for students and writers worldwide. With a passion for language, he breaks down complex grammar rules into clear, practical lessons, helping readers write with confidence and clarity every day.
