Beyond ‘Not Only That’: Expanding Your Expressive Toolkit

Mastering alternative ways to express “not only that” is crucial for enhancing the sophistication and fluency of your English. This phrase, while useful, can become repetitive and limit the richness of your writing and speaking.

By exploring a variety of synonyms and alternative constructions, you can add nuance, emphasis, and stylistic flair to your communication. This article provides a comprehensive guide to expanding your repertoire of expressions, suitable for English language learners of all levels who wish to refine their expressive capabilities and avoid monotony in their language use.

This guide will benefit students preparing for advanced English exams, professionals aiming to improve their communication skills, and anyone seeking to add depth and variety to their everyday language. Whether you’re writing an academic paper, delivering a presentation, or simply engaging in a conversation, the techniques outlined here will help you express yourself with greater precision and impact.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Definition: The Essence of ‘Not Only That’
3. Structural Breakdown of ‘Not Only That’
4. Types and Categories of Alternatives
   • Addition Connectors
   • Intensifiers
   • Relative Clauses
   • Appositives
   • Inversion
   • Elliptical Constructions
5. Examples: Showcasing the Alternatives
   • Addition Connectors Examples
   • Intensifier Examples
   • Relative Clause Examples
   • Appositive Examples
   • Inversion Examples
   • Elliptical Constructions Examples
6. Usage Rules and Guidelines
7. Common Mistakes to Avoid
8. Practice Exercises
9. Advanced Topics
10. Frequently Asked Questions
11. Conclusion

Definition: The Essence of ‘Not Only That’

‘Not only that’ is a transitional phrase used to introduce an additional piece of information that builds upon a previous statement, often implying that the new information is even more significant or surprising than the first. It functions as a connector, linking two related ideas and emphasizing the second. Grammatically, it belongs to the category of conjunctive adverbs or transition words, serving to enhance coherence and flow within a text or conversation.

The phrase implies an element of escalation or intensification. It suggests that the speaker or writer is not merely adding another point, but is presenting something that strengthens, reinforces, or elevates the initial statement.

For instance, consider the sentence: “He is an excellent musician. Not only that, he is also a gifted composer.” The second part highlights an additional talent, elevating the overall impression of the person’s abilities.

In formal writing, ‘not only that’ can sometimes be perceived as slightly informal. Therefore, it’s essential to be aware of the context and audience when deciding whether to use it.

More formal alternatives might be preferred in academic papers or professional reports. However, in less formal settings, it serves as a clear and effective way to add emphasis and create a sense of momentum.

Structural Breakdown of ‘Not Only That’

The structure of sentences using ‘not only that’ typically follows a pattern: Statement 1 + ‘Not Only That’ + Statement 2. Statement 2 usually provides additional information that supports or enhances Statement 1.

The phrase itself acts as a bridge, indicating a logical connection between the two statements.

Analyzing the components, ‘not only’ is a correlative conjunction often paired with ‘but also’. However, when used with ‘that,’ it functions differently.

‘That’ in this context is a conjunction introducing a subordinate clause that acts as a further explanation or addition to the main clause. The entire phrase ‘not only that’ then functions as a sentence adverb, modifying the entire second statement.

Consider this example: “She is a talented athlete. Not only that, she excels in academics as well.” Here, “She is a talented athlete” is Statement 1, and “she excels in academics as well” is Statement 2.

The phrase ‘not only that’ connects these two statements, emphasizing that her academic achievements are an additional impressive quality.

Types and Categories of Alternatives

There are several ways to express the same idea as ‘not only that’ while adding variety and sophistication to your language. These alternatives can be categorized based on their grammatical function and stylistic effect.

Addition Connectors

These are words and phrases that directly signal the addition of information. They are perhaps the most straightforward substitutes for ‘not only that.’

Intensifiers

Intensifiers are words or phrases that strengthen the impact of the second statement, implying that it is even more significant than the first.

Relative Clauses

Using relative clauses can embed the additional information directly into the first sentence, creating a more integrated and sophisticated structure.

Appositives

Appositives are nouns or noun phrases that rename or further describe another noun. They can be used to add extra information in a concise and impactful way.

Inversion

Inversion involves changing the typical subject-verb order to create emphasis. This technique can be used to highlight the additional information being presented.

Elliptical Constructions

Ellipsis involves omitting words that are understood from the context. This can create a more concise and elegant way to add information.

Examples: Showcasing the Alternatives

The following tables provide examples of how to use each type of alternative in sentences, demonstrating the nuances and stylistic effects of each option. Each table includes a variety of sentences, illustrating different contexts and applications.

Addition Connectors Examples

These examples demonstrate how addition connectors can replace ‘not only that’ to introduce additional information.

Original Sentence (with ‘Not Only That’)	Alternative Sentence (with Addition Connector)
He is a skilled surgeon. Not only that, he is also an excellent teacher.	He is a skilled surgeon; furthermore, he is also an excellent teacher.
The movie was visually stunning. Not only that, the plot was captivating.	The movie was visually stunning; moreover, the plot was captivating.
She is fluent in French. Not only that, she also speaks Spanish.	She is fluent in French; in addition, she also speaks Spanish.
The restaurant has delicious food. Not only that, the service is impeccable.	The restaurant has delicious food; besides, the service is impeccable.
The book is well-written. Not only that, it is also very informative.	The book is well-written; what’s more, it is also very informative.
The car is fuel-efficient. Not only that, it’s also environmentally friendly.	The car is fuel-efficient; additionally, it’s also environmentally friendly.
He is a successful businessman. Not only that, he is a generous philanthropist.	He is a successful businessman; on top of that, he is a generous philanthropist.
The software is user-friendly. Not only that, it is also highly customizable.	The software is user-friendly; also, it is highly customizable.
The city is rich in history. Not only that, it boasts a vibrant cultural scene.	The city is rich in history; and it boasts a vibrant cultural scene.
She is a dedicated volunteer. Not only that, she is a caring friend.	She is a dedicated volunteer; as well as that, she is a caring friend.
The project was completed on time. Not only that, it came in under budget.	The project was completed on time; to boot, it came in under budget.
The concert was amazing. Not only that, it was for a good cause.	The concert was amazing; further to that, it was for a good cause.
The candidate is highly qualified. Not only that, she has extensive experience.	The candidate is highly qualified; over and above that, she has extensive experience.
The product is durable. Not only that, it comes with a lifetime warranty.	The product is durable; beyond that, it comes with a lifetime warranty.
The company is innovative. Not only that, it values its employees.	The company is innovative; coupled with that, it values its employees.
The climate is mild. Not only that, the scenery is breathtaking.	The climate is mild; what is more, the scenery is breathtaking.
The course is challenging. Not only that, it is incredibly rewarding.	The course is challenging; then again, it is incredibly rewarding.
The team is highly skilled. Not only that, they work well together.	The team is highly skilled; equally important, they work well together.
The research is groundbreaking. Not only that, it has practical applications.	The research is groundbreaking; along with that, it has practical applications.
The proposal is well-researched. Not only that, it is clearly written.	The proposal is well-researched; in addition to this, it is clearly written.

Intensifier Examples

These examples show how using intensifiers can add emphasis and strength to the additional information.

Original Sentence (with ‘Not Only That’)	Alternative Sentence (with Intensifier)
He is a talented artist. Not only that, he is also incredibly humble.	He is a talented artist; indeed, he is incredibly humble.
The food was delicious. Not only that, it was surprisingly affordable.	The food was delicious; in fact, it was surprisingly affordable.
She is a dedicated student. Not only that, she is remarkably intelligent.	She is a dedicated student; actually, she is remarkably intelligent.
The presentation was informative. Not only that, it was exceptionally engaging.	The presentation was informative; as a matter of fact, it was exceptionally engaging.
The solution is effective. Not only that, it is remarkably simple.	The solution is effective; truly, it is remarkably simple.
The play was captivating. Not only that, it was deeply moving.	The play was captivating; genuinely, it was deeply moving.
The view was stunning. Not only that, it was utterly breathtaking.	The view was stunning; absolutely, it was utterly breathtaking.
The performance was impressive. Not only that, it was exceptionally polished.	The performance was impressive; undeniably, it was exceptionally polished.
The discovery was significant. Not only that, it was profoundly impactful.	The discovery was significant; veritably, it was profoundly impactful.
The experience was enjoyable. Not only that, it was thoroughly enriching.	The experience was enjoyable; positively, it was thoroughly enriching.
The design is innovative. Not only that, it’s strikingly beautiful.	The design is innovative; quite strikingly beautiful.
The wine is delicious. Not only that, it’s surprisingly affordable.	The wine is delicious; rather surprisingly affordable.
The research is thorough. Not only that, it’s exceptionally well-documented.	The research is thorough; remarkably well-documented.
The song is catchy. Not only that, it’s surprisingly meaningful.	The song is catchy; surprisingly meaningful.
The actor is talented. Not only that, he’s incredibly versatile.	The actor is talented; decidedly versatile.
The dress is elegant. Not only that, it’s surprisingly comfortable.	The dress is elegant; unquestionably comfortable.
The event was successful. Not only that, it was incredibly well-organized.	The event was successful; patently well-organized.
The result is positive. Not only that, it’s exceptionally encouraging.	The result is positive; plainly encouraging.
The weather is pleasant. Not only that, it’s unusually mild for this time of year.	The weather is pleasant; distinctly mild for this time of year.
The product is effective. Not only that, it’s surprisingly affordable.	The product is effective; noticeably affordable.

Relative Clause Examples

These examples illustrate how relative clauses can be used to integrate additional information into the initial sentence.

Original Sentence (with ‘Not Only That’)	Alternative Sentence (with Relative Clause)
He is a skilled musician. Not only that, he also composes beautiful melodies.	He is a skilled musician who also composes beautiful melodies.
The book is well-written. Not only that, it also provides valuable insights.	The book, which is well-written, also provides valuable insights.
She is a talented athlete. Not only that, she excels in her studies.	She is a talented athlete who also excels in her studies.
The house is spacious. Not only that, it has a beautiful garden.	The house, which is spacious, also has a beautiful garden.
The software is user-friendly. Not only that, it is highly customizable.	The software that is user-friendly is also highly customizable.
The cake is delicious. Not only that, it’s also beautifully decorated.	The cake, which is delicious, is also beautifully decorated.
The project was successful. Not only that, it was completed ahead of schedule.	The project that was successful was also completed ahead of schedule.
The lecture was informative. Not only that, it was also very engaging.	The lecture, which was informative, was also very engaging.
The restaurant is popular. Not only that, it has excellent reviews.	The restaurant that is popular also has excellent reviews.
The movie is entertaining. Not only that, it has a thought-provoking message.	The movie, which is entertaining, also has a thought-provoking message.
The car is reliable. Not only that, it gets great gas mileage.	The car, which is reliable, gets great gas mileage.
The professor is knowledgeable. Not only that, he’s also very approachable.	The professor who is knowledgeable is also very approachable.
The company is innovative. Not only that, it values its employees.	The company that is innovative values its employees.
The city is vibrant. Not only that, it’s safe for tourists.	The city, which is vibrant, is safe for tourists.
The product is durable. Not only that, it’s easy to use.	The product that is durable is easy to use.
The system is efficient. Not only that, it’s cost-effective.	The system, which is efficient, is cost-effective.
The artist is talented. Not only that, he’s also very humble.	The artist who is talented is also very humble.
The experiment was successful. Not only that, it confirmed our hypothesis.	The experiment that was successful confirmed our hypothesis.
The solution is simple. Not only that, it’s remarkably effective.	The solution, which is simple, is remarkably effective.
The applicant is qualified. Not only that, she has excellent references.	The applicant who is qualified has excellent references.

Appositive Examples

These examples demonstrate the use of appositives to add additional information in a concise manner.

Original Sentence (with ‘Not Only That’)	Alternative Sentence (with Appositive)
She is a talented artist. Not only that, she is also a renowned sculptor.	She is a talented artist, a renowned sculptor.
The book is a masterpiece. Not only that, it is a timeless classic.	The book is a masterpiece, a timeless classic.
He is a brilliant scientist. Not only that, he is a Nobel laureate.	He is a brilliant scientist, a Nobel laureate.
The city is a vibrant metropolis. Not only that, it is a cultural hub.	The city is a vibrant metropolis, a cultural hub.
The company is an industry leader. Not only that, it is a pioneer in innovation.	The company is an industry leader, a pioneer in innovation.
The car is a luxury vehicle. Not only that, it’s a symbol of status.	The car is a luxury vehicle, a symbol of status.
The painting is a stunning artwork. Not only that, it’s a masterpiece of the era.	The painting is a stunning artwork, a masterpiece of the era.
She’s a dedicated volunteer. Not only that, she’s a champion for the underprivileged.	She’s a dedicated volunteer, a champion for the underprivileged.
He is a respected professor. Not only that, he’s a leading authority in his field.	He is a respected professor, a leading authority in his field.
The software is a valuable tool. Not only that, it’s a game-changer for productivity.	The software is a valuable tool, a game-changer for productivity.
The solution is an elegant approach. Not only that, it’s a cost-effective measure.	The solution is an elegant approach, a cost-effective measure.
The event was a successful fundraiser. Not only that, it’s a crucial source of funding.	The event was a successful fundraiser, a crucial source of funding.
The project is a groundbreaking initiative. Not only that, it’s a model for future endeavors.	The project is a groundbreaking initiative, a model for future endeavors.
The research is a significant contribution. Not only that, it’s a foundation for future studies.	The research is a significant contribution, a foundation for future studies.
The design is an innovative concept. Not only that, it’s a paradigm shift in the industry.	The design is an innovative concept, a paradigm shift in the industry.
The system is a reliable resource. Not only that, it’s a critical component for success.	The system is a reliable resource, a critical component for success.
The strategy is a robust plan. Not only that, it’s a pathway to achieving our goals.	The strategy is a robust plan, a pathway to achieving our goals.
The product is a high-quality item. Not only that, it’s a customer favorite.	The product is a high-quality item, a customer favorite.
The proposal is a comprehensive document. Not only that, it’s a roadmap for our future.	The proposal is a comprehensive document, a roadmap for our future.
The candidate is a strong contender. Not only that, she’s a proven leader.	The candidate is a strong contender, a proven leader.

Inversion Examples

These examples demonstrate how inversion can be used to emphasize the additional information.

Original Sentence (with ‘Not Only That’)	Alternative Sentence (with Inversion)
He is a talented musician. Not only that, he is also a skilled composer.	He is a talented musician; so skilled a composer is he.
The book is well-written. Not only that, it is also very informative.	The book is well-written; neither is it uninformative.
The task was challenging. Not only that, it required a great deal of patience.	The task was challenging; nor did it lack the need for patience.
The city is beautiful. Not only that, it’s also rich in history.	The city is beautiful; so rich in history is it.
The restaurant has excellent food. Not only that, the service is also outstanding.	The restaurant has excellent food; neither is the service subpar.
She is fluent in French. Not only that, she’s also proficient in Spanish.	She is fluent in French; nor is she unskilled in Spanish.
The solution is effective. Not only that, it is remarkably simple.	The solution is effective; so remarkably simple is it.
The project was successful. Not only that, it was completed ahead of schedule.	The project was successful; neither was it behind schedule.
He is a respected leader. Not only that, he is dedicated to his community.	He is a respected leader; nor is he indifferent to his community.
The car is fuel-efficient. Not only that, it’s surprisingly affordable.	The car is fuel-efficient; so surprisingly affordable is it.
The film was captivating. Not only that, it was thought-provoking.	The film was captivating; neither was it uninspiring.
The course is challenging. Not only that, it’s incredibly rewarding.	The course is challenging; nor is it without reward.
The team is talented. Not only that, they’re incredibly dedicated.	The team is talented; so incredibly dedicated are they.
The research is groundbreaking. Not only that, it’s highly influential.	The research is groundbreaking; neither is it inconsequential.
The product is durable. Not only that, it’s easy to use.	The product is durable; nor is it difficult to use.
The event was successful. Not only that, it was well-organized.	The event was successful; neither was it disorganized.
The applicant is qualified. Not only that, she has excellent references.	The applicant is qualified; so excellent are her references.
The design is innovative. Not only that, it’s visually appealing.	The design is innovative; nor is it unappealing.
The system is efficient. Not only that, it’s cost-effective.	The system is efficient; so cost-effective is it.
The proposal is comprehensive. Not only that, it’s well-researched.	The proposal is comprehensive; neither is it lacking in research.

Elliptical Constructions Examples

These examples show how ellipsis can create concise and elegant additions.

Original Sentence (with ‘Not Only That’)	Alternative Sentence (with Ellipsis)
He is a talented musician. Not only that, he is also a skilled composer.	He is a talented musician, and a skilled composer too.
The book is well-written. Not only that, it is also very informative.	The book is well-written, and very informative as well.
She is fluent in French. Not only that, she also speaks Spanish.	She is fluent in French, and Spanish too.
The restaurant has delicious food. Not only that, the service is impeccable.	The restaurant has delicious food, and impeccable service too.
The car is fuel-efficient. Not only that, it’s also environmentally friendly.	The car is fuel-efficient, and environmentally friendly as well.
The movie was visually stunning. Not only that, the plot was captivating.	The movie was visually stunning, and captivating too.
The solution is effective. Not only that, it’s remarkably simple.	The solution is effective, and remarkably simple as well.
The project was successful. Not only that, it was completed ahead of schedule.	The project was successful, and ahead of schedule too.
The lecture was informative. Not only that, it was also very engaging.	The lecture was informative, and very engaging as well.
The design is innovative. Not only that, it’s visually appealing.	The design is innovative, and visually appealing too.
The product is durable. Not only that, it’s easy to use.	The product is durable, and easy to use as well.
The city is vibrant. Not only that, it’s safe for tourists.	The city is vibrant, and safe for tourists too.
The team is talented. Not only that, they’re incredibly dedicated.	The team is talented, and incredibly dedicated as well.
The software is user-friendly. Not only that, it’s highly customizable.	The software is user-friendly, and highly customizable too.
The applicant is qualified. Not only that, she has excellent references.	The applicant is qualified, and excellent references as well.
The system is efficient. Not only that, it’s cost-effective.	The system is efficient, and cost-effective too.
The food is delicious. Not only that, it’s beautifully presented.	The food is delicious, and beautifully presented as well.
The research is thorough. Not only that, it’s well-documented.	The research is thorough, and well-documented too.
The event was successful. Not only that, it was well-organized.	The event was successful, and well-organized as well.
The professor is knowledgeable. Not only that, he’s approachable.	The professor is knowledgeable, and approachable too.

Usage Rules and Guidelines

When using alternatives to ‘not only that,’ it’s crucial to consider the context, tone, and audience. Some phrases are more formal than others, and some carry stronger emphasis.

Here are some general guidelines:

• Formality: In formal writing, opt for phrases like ‘furthermore,’ ‘moreover,’ or relative clauses. In less formal settings, ‘besides,’ ‘what’s more,’ or elliptical constructions are acceptable.
• Emphasis: Intensifiers like ‘indeed,’ ‘in fact,’ or ‘actually’ add a strong sense of emphasis. Inversion can also create a dramatic effect.
• Clarity: Ensure that the alternative phrase clearly indicates the addition of information. Avoid ambiguity by choosing phrases that are appropriate for the specific context.
• Variety: While this article provides many options, avoid overusing any single alternative. Vary your language to keep your writing engaging and prevent repetition.
• Punctuation: Pay close attention to punctuation. Addition connectors often require a semicolon before and a comma after them. Relative clauses may require commas depending on whether they are essential or non-essential.

Understanding these nuances will help you choose the most appropriate alternative for each situation, enhancing the clarity and impact of your communication.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a good understanding of the alternatives, some common mistakes can occur. Being aware of these errors can help you avoid them.

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
He is talented. Besides, he is also kind.	He is talented; besides, he is also kind.	Addition connectors usually require a semicolon before them when connecting two independent clauses.
The book which is well-written is also informative.	The book, which is well-written, is also informative.	Non-essential relative clauses require commas to set them off from the main clause.
She is a doctor, also a writer.	She is a doctor, and also a writer.	“Also” needs a conjunction to connect the clauses.
He is smart, in fact, intelligent.	He is smart; in fact, he is intelligent.	Separate clauses with a semicolon when using “in fact” to introduce the second clause.
The movie was great moreover entertaining.	The movie was great; moreover, it was entertaining.	“Moreover” needs to be separated by a semicolon and comma.

By being mindful of these common errors, you can ensure that your use of alternative phrases is accurate and effective.

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding of the alternatives to ‘not only that’ with these exercises. Choose the best alternative for each sentence.

1. Question: She is an excellent cook. Not only that, she is also

   a skilled baker.

   Options:

   1. Furthermore, she is also a skilled baker.
   2. However, she is also a skilled baker.
   3. Despite that, she is also a skilled baker.

   Answer: a. Furthermore, she is also a skilled baker.

2. Question: The project was a success. Not only that, it finished under budget.

   Options:

   1. But, it finished under budget.
   2. Moreover, it finished under budget.
   3. Although, it finished under budget.

   Answer: b. Moreover, it finished under budget.

3. Question: He is a talented actor. Not only that, he is also a gifted singer.

   Options:

   1. In contrast, he is a gifted singer.
   2. In addition, he is a gifted singer.
   3. Regardless, he is a gifted singer.

   Answer: b. In addition, he is a gifted singer.

4. Question: The product is effective. Not only that, it’s affordable.

   Options:

   1. Besides, it’s affordable.
   2. Instead, it’s affordable.
   3. Conversely, it’s affordable.

   Answer: a. Besides, it’s affordable.

5. Question: She is a dedicated student. Not only that, she excels in sports.

   Options:

   1. Similarly, she excels in sports.
   2. As well as that, she excels in sports.
   3. Unlike that, she excels in sports.

   Answer: b. As well as that, she excels in sports.

Advanced Topics

For those looking to further refine their understanding and usage of alternatives to ‘not only that,’ here are some advanced topics to consider:

• Subtleties of Connotation: Different phrases carry different connotations. Understanding these nuances can help you choose the most appropriate phrase for the specific context. For example, ‘moreover’ and ‘furthermore’ are generally more formal than ‘besides’ or ‘what’s more.’
• Rhetorical Effect: Consider the rhetorical effect you want to achieve. Do you want to emphasize the additional information, create a sense of escalation, or simply add another point? The choice of phrase can influence the reader’s perception.
• Cross-Cultural Considerations: Be aware that some phrases may be more common or preferred in certain dialects or cultures. Understanding these differences can help you communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
• Literary Applications: Explore how authors use alternatives to ‘not only that’ to create stylistic effects in literature. Analyzing examples from different genres can provide valuable insights into the art of expressive writing.

By delving into these advanced topics, you can develop a more sophisticated understanding of the nuances and subtleties of alternative expressions, allowing you to communicate with greater precision and impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Mastering alternatives to ‘not only that’ is an essential step in refining your English language skills. By expanding your repertoire of expressions, you can add nuance, emphasis, and stylistic flair to your writing and speaking.

This article has provided a comprehensive guide to various alternatives, including addition connectors, intensifiers, relative clauses, appositives, inversion, and elliptical constructions.

Remember to consider the context, tone, and audience when choosing the most appropriate alternative for each situation. Pay attention to usage rules and common mistakes to avoid errors and ensure clarity.

With practice and attention to detail, you can confidently use these alternatives to enhance the impact and effectiveness of your communication.