✨ Introduction
The phrase “not only” is commonly used to emphasize multiple qualities, actions, or benefits. It helps highlight that something has more than one positive aspect. While it works well in everyday language, repeating it in writing can feel repetitive.
Using alternatives allows your writing to sound more polished, engaging, and professional whether you’re writing essays, business reports, emails, or presentations.
Below are 36+ alternatives to “not only”, grouped by tone and usage, with meanings and examples to help you vary your language effectively.
✅ Alternatives to “Not Only”
1. Not just
Meaning: Emphasizes more than one aspect.
Example: The course is not just informative but also practical.
2. More than just
Meaning: Highlights added value.
Example: This role is more than just a job.
3. Beyond
Meaning: Extends past the expected.
Example: Her impact goes beyond teaching.
4. In addition to
Meaning: Adds another point.
Example: In addition to cost savings, the system improves efficiency.
5. As well as
Meaning: Adds a second element.
Example: The workshop improves skills as well as confidence.
6. Along with
Meaning: Accompanies something else.
Example: The package includes support along with training.
7. Besides
Meaning: Introduces an additional point.
Example: Besides saving time, automation reduces errors.
8. Additionally
Meaning: Adds further information.
Example: Additionally, the update improves security.
9. Furthermore
Meaning: Formal addition.
Example: Furthermore, the policy promotes transparency.
10. Moreover
Meaning: Adds emphasis to an additional point.
Example: Moreover, the new design enhances usability.
11. What’s more
Meaning: Adds emphasis in a conversational tone.
Example: The app is easy to use. What’s more, it’s free.
12. On top of that
Meaning: Adds extra emphasis.
Example: The service is fast. On top of that, it’s affordable.
13. Over and above
Meaning: Exceeds expectations.
Example: She contributed over and above her responsibilities.
14. Coupled with
Meaning: Combined with.
Example: Experience coupled with creativity ensures success.
15. Together with
Meaning: Combined elements.
Example: Skill together with dedication leads to excellence.
16. Plus
Meaning: Informal addition.
Example: The plan saves money, plus it improves efficiency.
17. And also
Meaning: Adds another element.
Example: The tool is reliable and also easy to use.
18. Not to mention
Meaning: Adds a noteworthy point.
Example: The car is affordable, not to mention fuel-efficient.
19. To say nothing of
Meaning: Adds emphasis to an additional benefit.
Example: The software is powerful, to say nothing of its affordability.
20. Including
Meaning: Introduces additional items.
Example: The package includes training and support.
21. Added to that
Meaning: Emphasizes another point.
Example: Added to that, the service is available 24/7.
22. Beyond that
Meaning: Indicates further benefits.
Example: Beyond that, the program builds confidence.
23. As a bonus
Meaning: Adds an extra benefit.
Example: As a bonus, members receive discounts.
24. With the added benefit of
Meaning: Highlights extra value.
Example: The software is efficient, with the added benefit of automation.
25. Supplemented by
Meaning: Supported by something extra.
Example: Training is supplemented by mentoring sessions.
26. Accompanied by
Meaning: Occurs together with.
Example: The proposal is accompanied by detailed analysis.
27. Paired with
Meaning: Combined with another element.
Example: Creativity paired with discipline drives innovation.
28. Complemented by
Meaning: Enhanced by another element.
Example: The design is complemented by strong functionality.
29. Enhanced by
Meaning: Improved by an additional feature.
Example: Performance is enhanced by advanced tools.
30. Augmented by
Meaning: Strengthened by additional support.
Example: Learning is augmented by practical exercises.
31. Alongside
Meaning: Occurring together.
Example: Training occurs alongside hands-on experience.
32. Not merely
Meaning: Formal alternative.
Example: The program is not merely educational but transformative.
33. Not simply
Meaning: More formal emphasis.
Example: Success is not simply luck.
34. In conjunction with
Meaning: Formal combination.
Example: The strategy works in conjunction with market research.
35. Combined with
Meaning: Working together.
Example: Experience combined with dedication ensures success.
36. Together with the fact that
Meaning: Emphasizes multiple factors.
Example: The plan succeeds together with the fact that it’s cost-effective.
37. Over and beyond that
Meaning: Adds further emphasis.
Example: Over and beyond that, the policy improves morale.
💭 Final Thoughts
Using alternatives to “not only” helps you avoid repetition while making your writing clearer and more engaging. Whether you’re writing professionally or casually, these expressions allow you to emphasize multiple benefits in a polished and natural way.
Choosing the right phrase depends on tone formal, conversational, or persuasive so keep this list handy when you want your writing to sound more dynamic and refined.
❓ FAQs
Q1: What does “not only” emphasize?
It highlights that something has multiple qualities or benefits.
Q2: What is the most formal alternative?
“In addition to,” “Furthermore,” and “Moreover.”
Q3: What is a casual alternative?
“What’s more,” “Plus,” and “On top of that.”
Q4: Can I use these in academic writing?
Yes, choose formal options like “Furthermore” or “In conjunction with.”
Q5: How do I avoid repetition in writing?
Rotate synonyms and vary sentence structures.
