Beyond “Not Only That”: Expanding Your Expressive Toolkit

The phrase “not only that” is a common connector, but relying on it too heavily can make your writing and speech sound repetitive. Mastering alternative expressions allows you to convey additional information smoothly and add nuance to your communication.

This article explores a wide array of phrases and grammatical structures that serve the same function as “not only that,” providing examples and exercises to help you broaden your expressive range.

This guide is beneficial for English language learners, writers seeking to improve their style, and anyone looking to enhance their communication skills. Whether you’re crafting formal essays, giving presentations, or simply engaging in everyday conversation, understanding these alternatives will make your language more precise and engaging.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Defining the Role of “Not Only That”
3. Structural Breakdown of “Not Only That”
4. Alternatives to “Not Only That”
   • Addition Adverbs
   • Conjunctive Adverbs
   • Additive Phrases
   • Coordinating Conjunctions
   • Subordinating Conjunctions (with Added Information)
   • Relative Clauses (Adding Details)
   • Appositives
   • Absolute Phrases
5. Examples
6. Usage Rules
7. Common Mistakes
8. Practice Exercises
9. Advanced Topics
10. FAQ
11. Conclusion

Defining the Role of “Not Only That”

“Not only that” is a transitional phrase used to introduce additional information that builds upon a previous statement. It signifies an additive relationship, indicating that the subsequent information is important and related to the initial point.

It often emphasizes the added information, suggesting it is surprising, significant, or further supports the preceding claim.

The phrase functions as a connector, linking two clauses or sentences. Its primary purpose is to enhance the flow of information, guiding the reader or listener to understand the connection between the presented ideas.

Consider its role in emphasizing consequences, providing supporting details, or elaborating on a particular aspect of a subject.

Structural Breakdown of “Not Only That”

The typical structure involving “not only that” is quite straightforward. It usually appears after a complete sentence or clause and is followed by another sentence or clause that expands on the initial statement.

The phrase itself acts as a bridge between these two parts.

Here’s a breakdown:

[Initial Statement]. Not only that, [Additional Information].

For example:

She is an excellent student. Not only that, she also excels in extracurricular activities.

It’s crucial to understand that “not only that” is a relatively informal phrase. While suitable for some types of writing and conversation, it may not be appropriate for all contexts.

Therefore, it’s beneficial to have a range of alternatives at your disposal.

Alternatives to “Not Only That”

There are many ways to express the same additive relationship as “not only that.” The best choice will depend on the specific context and the desired level of formality. Here are some categories of alternatives:

Addition Adverbs

Addition adverbs directly indicate that something is being added to a previous statement. Some common examples include:

• Also
• Furthermore
• Moreover
• In addition
• Besides
• Additionally

These adverbs can often be placed at the beginning of a sentence or clause, similar to “not only that.” For example: “The project was successful. Furthermore, it finished ahead of schedule.”

Conjunctive Adverbs

Conjunctive adverbs connect two independent clauses, indicating the relationship between them. They often require a semicolon before and a comma after.

• Indeed
• Besides
• Likewise

Example: “The team worked tirelessly; indeed, their dedication was remarkable.”

Additive Phrases

These phrases serve the same function as “not only that” but offer a more varied vocabulary.

• What’s more
• On top of that
• To top it all off
• As well as that
• Beyond that
• Over and above that

Example: “The weather was terrible. On top of that, we got a flat tire.”

Coordinating Conjunctions

Coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet) can be used to connect two related ideas. “And” is the most common choice for adding information.

Example: “She sings beautifully, and she also plays the piano.”

Subordinating Conjunctions (with Added Information)

Subordinating conjunctions introduce dependent clauses, providing additional information that is related to the main clause. Examples include:

• Because
• Since
• As
• While

Example: “Because he studied diligently, he passed the exam with flying colors.”

Relative Clauses (Adding Details)

Relative clauses, introduced by relative pronouns (who, whom, which, that, whose) provide additional information about a noun.

Example: “The book, which I borrowed from the library, was very interesting.”

Appositives

An appositive is a noun or noun phrase that renames or describes another noun. It can add extra information without using a separate sentence.

Example: “Shakespeare, a renowned playwright, wrote many famous tragedies.”

Absolute Phrases

Absolute phrases modify an entire clause or sentence, providing additional information about the circumstances or conditions. They are typically set off by commas.

Example: “The weather being perfect, we decided to go for a hike.”

Examples

This section provides examples of how to use each alternative in context. The examples are categorized for easy reference.

Each table includes 20-30 examples to illustrate the various ways these alternatives can be used.

Table 1: Examples using Addition Adverbs

The following table showcases the use of addition adverbs as alternatives to “not only that.” Each example demonstrates how these adverbs enhance the flow of information by adding related details to the initial statement.

Original Sentence (with “Not Only That”)	Alternative Sentence (with Addition Adverb)
The restaurant has great food. Not only that, it has excellent service.	The restaurant has great food. Also, it has excellent service.
The project was a success. Not only that, it was completed ahead of schedule.	The project was a success. Furthermore, it was completed ahead of schedule.
She is a talented musician. Not only that, she is a gifted artist.	She is a talented musician. Moreover, she is a gifted artist.
The company is expanding its operations. Not only that, it is hiring new employees.	The company is expanding its operations. In addition, it is hiring new employees.
He is a skilled athlete. Not only that, he is an excellent student.	He is a skilled athlete. Besides, he is an excellent student.
The software is user-friendly. Not only that, it is highly efficient.	The software is user-friendly. Additionally, it is highly efficient.
The movie was entertaining. Not only that, it was thought-provoking.	The movie was entertaining. Also, it was thought-provoking.
The book is well-written. Not only that, it is thoroughly researched.	The book is well-written. Furthermore, it is thoroughly researched.
The concert was amazing. Not only that, the venue was perfect.	The concert was amazing. Moreover, the venue was perfect.
The training program is effective. Not only that, it is cost-efficient.	The training program is effective. In addition, it is cost-efficient.
The garden is beautiful. Not only that, it attracts many birds.	The garden is beautiful. Besides, it attracts many birds.
The plan is innovative. Not only that, it is practical.	The plan is innovative. Additionally, it is practical.
The cake was delicious. Not only that, it was beautifully decorated.	The cake was delicious. Also, it was beautifully decorated.
The presentation was informative. Not only that, it was engaging.	The presentation was informative. Furthermore, it was engaging.
The car is fuel-efficient. Not only that, it is environmentally friendly.	The car is fuel-efficient. Moreover, it is environmentally friendly.
The museum is fascinating. Not only that, it is free to the public.	The museum is fascinating. In addition, it is free to the public.
The course is challenging. Not only that, it is rewarding.	The course is challenging. Besides, it is rewarding.
The city is vibrant. Not only that, it is safe.	The city is vibrant. Additionally, it is safe.
The team is talented. Not only that, they are dedicated.	The team is talented. Also, they are dedicated.
The house is spacious. Not only that, it has a large garden.	The house is spacious. Furthermore, it has a large garden.
The software is reliable. Not only that, it is easy to use.	The software is reliable. Moreover, it is easy to use.
The project is important. Not only that, it is urgent.	The project is important. In addition, it is urgent.
The food is healthy. Not only that, it is delicious.	The food is healthy. Besides, it is delicious.
The system is secure. Not only that, it is efficient.	The system is secure. Additionally, it is efficient.

Table 2: Examples using Additive Phrases

The following table illustrates the use of additive phrases to replace “not only that.” These phrases add variety and impact to the expression of additional information, making the writing more engaging.

Original Sentence (with “Not Only That”)	Alternative Sentence (with Additive Phrase)
The car broke down. Not only that, it happened in the middle of nowhere.	The car broke down. On top of that, it happened in the middle of nowhere.
The presentation was a disaster. Not only that, the projector stopped working.	The presentation was a disaster. To top it all off, the projector stopped working.
She is a talented singer. Not only that, she writes her own songs.	She is a talented singer. As well as that, she writes her own songs.
The company is successful. Not only that, it is socially responsible.	The company is successful. Beyond that, it is socially responsible.
The team is dedicated. Not only that, they are highly skilled.	The team is dedicated. Over and above that, they are highly skilled.
The house is beautiful. Not only that, it has a stunning view.	The house is beautiful. What’s more, it has a stunning view.
The weather was cold. Not only that, it started to snow.	The weather was cold. On top of that, it started to snow.
The project failed. Not only that, it cost the company a lot of money.	The project failed. To top it all off, it cost the company a lot of money.
He is a great leader. Not only that, he is a good communicator.	He is a great leader. As well as that, he is a good communicator.
The book is interesting. Not only that, it is very informative.	The book is interesting. Beyond that, it is very informative.
The service was excellent. Not only that, the food was delicious.	The service was excellent. Over and above that, the food was delicious.
The movie was captivating. Not only that, it had a great soundtrack.	The movie was captivating. What’s more, it had a great soundtrack.
The car is fast. Not only that, it is very safe.	The car is fast. On top of that, it is very safe.
The event was fun. Not only that, it was well-organized.	The event was fun. To top it all off, it was well-organized.
She is a talented actress. Not only that, she is a skilled dancer.	She is a talented actress. As well as that, she is a skilled dancer.
The company is innovative. Not only that, it is environmentally conscious.	The company is innovative. Beyond that, it is environmentally conscious.
The team is collaborative. Not only that, they are highly motivated.	The team is collaborative. Over and above that, they are highly motivated.
The show was entertaining. Not only that, it was educational.	The show was entertaining. What’s more, it was educational.
The flight was delayed. Not only that, our luggage was lost.	The flight was delayed. On top of that, our luggage was lost.
The restaurant is affordable. Not only that, the portions are generous.	The restaurant is affordable. To top it all off, the portions are generous.
He is a great teacher. Not only that, he is a supportive mentor.	He is a great teacher. As well as that, he is a supportive mentor.
The software is efficient. Not only that, it is very user-friendly.	The software is efficient. Beyond that, it is very user-friendly.
The meal was delicious. Not only that, the service was impeccable.	The meal was delicious. Over and above that, the service was impeccable.

Table 3: Examples using Coordinating Conjunctions

This table demonstrates how to effectively use coordinating conjunctions, particularly “and,” to combine related ideas, offering a simpler alternative to “not only that.”

Original Sentence (with “Not Only That”)	Alternative Sentence (with Coordinating Conjunction)
She is a talented writer. Not only that, she is a skilled editor.	She is a talented writer, and she is a skilled editor.
The team won the game. Not only that, they broke a new record.	The team won the game, and they broke a new record.
The project was successful. Not only that, it was completed on time.	The project was successful, and it was completed on time.
He is a dedicated employee. Not only that, he is a valuable asset.	He is a dedicated employee, and he is a valuable asset.
The course is challenging. Not only that, it is highly informative.	The course is challenging, and it is highly informative.
The city is vibrant. Not only that, it is rich in culture.	The city is vibrant, and it is rich in culture.
The food is delicious. Not only that, it is beautifully presented.	The food is delicious, and it is beautifully presented.
The show is entertaining. Not only that, it is thought-provoking.	The show is entertaining, and it is thought-provoking.
The car is reliable. Not only that, it is fuel-efficient.	The car is reliable, and it is fuel-efficient.
The house is spacious. Not only that, it is well-designed.	The house is spacious, and it is well-designed.
The software is user-friendly. Not only that, it is highly secure.	The software is user-friendly, and it is highly secure.
The event was a success. Not only that, it raised a lot of money.	The event was a success, and it raised a lot of money.
She is a talented artist. Not only that, she is a generous philanthropist.	She is a talented artist, and she is a generous philanthropist.
The company is innovative. Not only that, it is environmentally responsible.	The company is innovative, and it is environmentally responsible.
The team is collaborative. Not only that, they are highly effective.	The team is collaborative, and they are highly effective.
The product is affordable. Not only that, it is high-quality.	The product is affordable, and it is high-quality.
The service is efficient. Not only that, it is very reliable.	The service is efficient, and it is very reliable.
The plan is creative. Not only that, it is practical.	The plan is creative, and it is practical.
The book is engaging. Not only that, it is educational.	The book is engaging, and it is educational.
The movie is captivating. Not only that, it has a great message.	The movie is captivating, and it has a great message.

Table 4: Examples using Subordinating Conjunctions (with Added Information)

This table provides examples of how to use subordinating conjunctions to add related information, offering alternatives to “not only that” while creating a more complex sentence structure.

Original Sentence (with “Not Only That”)	Alternative Sentence (with Subordinating Conjunction)
He studied hard. Not only that, he sought help from his teachers.	Because he studied hard, he sought help from his teachers.
The project was delayed. Not only that, the team faced unforeseen challenges.	Since the project was delayed, the team faced unforeseen challenges.
She is a talented musician. Not only that, she practices every day.	As she is a talented musician, she practices every day.
The economy is improving. Not only that, businesses are investing more.	As the economy is improving, businesses are investing more.
The weather is getting warmer. Not only that, the flowers are starting to bloom.	As the weather is getting warmer, the flowers are starting to bloom.
The company is growing rapidly. Not only that, it is expanding its product line.	Since the company is growing rapidly, it is expanding its product line.
He is a successful entrepreneur. Not only that, he is a dedicated philanthropist.	Because he is a successful entrepreneur, he is a dedicated philanthropist.
She is a skilled athlete. Not only that, she trains rigorously.	Since she is a skilled athlete, she trains rigorously.
The book is very popular. Not only that, it has received many awards.	Because the book is very popular, it has received many awards.
The movie is highly acclaimed. Not only that, it has won several awards.	Since the movie is highly acclaimed, it has won several awards.
The city is a popular tourist destination. Not only that, it offers many attractions.	Because the city is a popular tourist destination, it offers many attractions.
The software is very efficient. Not only that, it is easy to use.	Since the software is very efficient, it is easy to use.
The event was a great success. Not only that, it raised a lot of money for charity.	Because the event was a great success, it raised a lot of money for charity.
The team is highly motivated. Not only that, they are very collaborative.	Since the team is highly motivated, they are very collaborative.
The product is very innovative. Not only that, it is environmentally friendly.	Because the product is very innovative, it is environmentally friendly.
The service is very reliable. Not only that, it is highly efficient.	Since the service is very reliable, it is highly efficient.
The plan is very creative. Not only that, it is also practical.	Because the plan is very creative, it is also practical.
The book is very engaging. Not only that, it is also educational.	Since the book is very engaging, it is also educational.
The movie is thought-provoking. Not only that, it is very entertaining.	Because the movie is thought-provoking, it is very entertaining.

Table 5: Examples using Appositives

This table illustrates how appositives can be used to add extra information, providing a concise and effective alternative to “not only that.”

Original Sentence (with “Not Only That”)	Alternative Sentence (with Appositive)
Shakespeare was a great writer. Not only that, he was a famous playwright.	Shakespeare, a famous playwright, was a great writer.
Paris is a beautiful city. Not only that, it is the capital of France.	Paris, the capital of France, is a beautiful city.
Einstein was a brilliant scientist. Not only that, he developed the theory of relativity.	Einstein, who developed the theory of relativity, was a brilliant scientist.
My dog is very friendly. Not only that, he is a golden retriever.	My dog, a golden retriever, is very friendly.
The Nile is a long river. Not only that, it is located in Africa.	The Nile, a long river located in Africa, is fascinating.
The book was interesting. Not only that, it was a historical novel.	The book, a historical novel, was interesting.
The restaurant is popular. Not only that, it is known for its delicious food.	The restaurant, known for its delicious food, is popular.
The event was successful. Not only that, it was a charity fundraiser.	The event, a charity fundraiser, was successful.
The software is efficient. Not only that, it is a project management tool.	The software, a project management tool, is efficient.
The team is collaborative. Not only that, they are the marketing department.	The team, the marketing department, is collaborative.
The product is innovative. Not only that, it is a sustainable solution.	The product, a sustainable solution, is innovative.
The service is reliable. Not only that, it is a customer support system.	The service, a customer support system, is reliable.
The plan is creative. Not only that, it is a business strategy.	The plan, a business strategy, is creative.
The movie is captivating. Not only that, it is a historical drama.	The movie, a historical drama, is captivating.

Usage Rules

When choosing an alternative to “not only that,” consider the following rules:

• Formality: Some alternatives, like “furthermore” and “moreover,” are more formal than “not only that.” Use them in academic or professional writing.
• Flow: Ensure the chosen alternative connects the ideas smoothly. The transition should be logical and clear.
• Emphasis: Certain alternatives, like “what’s more” and “to top it all off,” emphasize the additional information more strongly.
• Grammar: Pay attention to punctuation. Conjunctive adverbs require a semicolon before them and a comma after.
• Redundancy: Avoid using multiple additive words or phrases in the same sentence. This can make your writing sound repetitive and awkward.

Common Mistakes

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using alternatives to “not only that”:

• Incorrect Punctuation: Using a comma instead of a semicolon with conjunctive adverbs.
• Awkward Word Order: Placing addition adverbs in unnatural positions within the sentence.
• Overuse of Formal Alternatives: Using overly formal language in informal contexts.
• Redundancy: Using “and also” together, which is redundant.

Here are some examples of correct and incorrect usage:

Incorrect	Correct
The project was successful, moreover, it was completed on time.	The project was successful; moreover, it was completed on time.
She is also a talented singer and she plays the piano.	She is a talented singer, and she also plays the piano. / She is a talented singer, and she plays the piano as well.
The movie was great, and also, it was very funny.	The movie was great, and it was also very funny.

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding with these practice exercises. Rewrite each sentence using an alternative to “not only that.”

Exercise 1: Addition Adverbs

Question	Answer
The car is fuel-efficient. Not only that, it is environmentally friendly.	The car is fuel-efficient. Additionally, it is environmentally friendly.
The restaurant has great food. Not only that, it has excellent service.	The restaurant has great food. Also, it has excellent service.
The project was a success. Not only that, it was completed ahead of schedule.	The project was a success. Furthermore, it was completed ahead of schedule.
She is a talented musician. Not only that, she is a gifted artist.	She is a talented musician. Moreover, she is a gifted artist.
He is a skilled athlete. Not only that, he is an excellent student.	He is a skilled athlete. Besides, he is an excellent student.
The software is user-friendly. Not only that, it is highly efficient.	The software is user-friendly. Additionally, it is highly efficient.
The movie was entertaining. Not only that, it was thought-provoking.	The movie was entertaining. Also, it was thought-provoking.
The book is well-written. Not only that, it is thoroughly researched.	The book is well-written. Furthermore, it is thoroughly researched.
The concert was amazing. Not only that, the venue was perfect.	The concert was amazing. Moreover, the venue was perfect.
The training program is effective. Not only that, it is cost-efficient.	The training program is effective. In addition, it is cost-efficient.

Exercise 2: Additive Phrases

Question	Answer
The car broke down. Not only that, it happened in the middle of nowhere.	The car broke down. On top of that, it happened in the middle of nowhere.
The presentation was a disaster. Not only that, the projector stopped working.	The presentation was a disaster. To top it all off, the projector stopped working.
She is a talented singer. Not only that, she writes her own songs.	She is a talented singer. As well as that, she writes her own songs.
The company is successful. Not only that, it is socially responsible.	The company is successful. Beyond that, it is socially responsible.
The team is dedicated. Not only that, they are highly skilled.	The team is dedicated. Over and above that, they are highly skilled.
The house is beautiful. Not only that, it has a stunning view.	The house is beautiful. What’s more, it has a stunning view.
The weather was cold. Not only that, it started to snow.	The weather was cold. On top of that, it started to snow.
The project failed. Not only that, it cost the company a lot of money.	The project failed. To top it all off, it cost the company a lot of money.
He is a great leader. Not only that, he is a good communicator.	He is a great leader. As well as that, he is a good communicator.
The book is interesting. Not only that, it is very informative.	The book is interesting. Beyond that, it is very informative.
The service was excellent. Not only that, the food was delicious.	The service was excellent. Over and above that, the food was delicious.

Exercise 3: Coordinating Conjunctions

Question	Answer
She is a talented writer. Not only that, she is a skilled editor.	She is a talented writer, and she is a skilled editor.
The team won the game. Not only that, they broke a new record.	The team won the game, and they broke a new record.
The project was successful. Not only that, it was completed on time.	The project was successful, and it was completed on time.
He is a dedicated employee. Not only that, he is a valuable asset.	He is a dedicated employee, and he is a valuable asset.
The course is challenging. Not only that, it is highly informative.	The course is challenging, and it is highly informative.
The city is vibrant. Not only that, it is rich in culture.	The city is vibrant, and it is rich in culture.
The food is delicious. Not only that, it is beautifully presented.	The food is delicious, and it is beautifully presented.
The show is entertaining. Not only that, it is thought-provoking.	The show is entertaining, and it is thought-provoking.
The car is reliable. Not only that, it is fuel-efficient.	The car is reliable, and it is fuel-efficient.
The house is spacious. Not only that, it is well-designed.	The house is spacious, and it is well-designed.

Exercise 4: Subordinating Conjunctions

Question	Answer
He studied hard. Not only that, he sought help from his teachers.	Because he studied hard, he sought help from his teachers.
The project was delayed. Not only that, the team faced unforeseen challenges.	Since the project was delayed, the team faced unforeseen challenges.
She is a talented musician. Not only that, she practices every day.	As she is a talented musician, she practices every day.
The economy is improving. Not only that, businesses are investing more.	As the economy is improving, businesses are investing more.
The weather is getting warmer. Not only that, the flowers are starting to bloom.	As the weather is getting warmer, the flowers are starting to bloom.
The company is growing rapidly. Not only that, it is expanding its product line.	Since the company is growing rapidly, it is expanding its product line.
He is a successful entrepreneur. Not only that, he is a dedicated philanthropist.	Because he is a successful entrepreneur, he is a dedicated philanthropist.
She is a skilled athlete. Not only that, she trains rigorously.	Since she is a skilled athlete, she trains rigorously.
The book is very popular. Not only that, it has received many awards.	Because the book is very popular, it has received many awards.
The movie is highly acclaimed. Not only that, it has won several awards.	Since the movie is highly acclaimed, it has won several awards.

Exercise 5: Appositives

Question	Answer
Shakespeare was a great writer. Not only that, he was a famous playwright.	Shakespeare, a famous playwright, was a great writer.
Paris is a beautiful city. Not only that, it is the capital of France.	Paris, the capital of France, is a beautiful city.
Einstein was a brilliant scientist. Not only that, he developed the theory of relativity.	Einstein, who developed the theory of relativity, was a brilliant scientist.
My dog is very friendly. Not only that, he is a golden retriever.	My dog, a golden retriever, is very friendly.
The Nile is a long river. Not only that, it is located in Africa.	The Nile, a long river located in Africa, is fascinating.
The book was interesting. Not only that, it was a historical novel.	The book, a historical novel, was interesting.
The restaurant is popular. Not only that, it is known for its delicious food.	The restaurant, known for its delicious food, is popular.
The event was successful. Not only that, it was a charity fundraiser.	The event, a charity fundraiser, was successful.
The software is efficient. Not only that, it is a project management tool.	The software, a project management tool, is efficient.
The team is collaborative. Not only that, they are the marketing department.	The team, the marketing department, is collaborative.

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, consider these nuances:

• Varying Sentence Structure: Experiment with different sentence structures to avoid monotony. Combine short and long sentences for a more dynamic rhythm.
• Contextual Appropriateness: Always consider the context and audience when choosing an alternative. What works in a formal essay might not be suitable for a casual conversation.
• Subtlety: Sometimes, the best way to add information is subtly, without explicitly using additive words or phrases. This can be achieved through careful wording and sentence construction.

FAQ

Conclusion

Mastering alternatives to “not only that” is a valuable skill that can significantly enhance your communication. By diversifying your vocabulary and understanding the nuances of different additive expressions, you can make your writing and speech more engaging, precise, and impactful.

Remember to consider the context, audience, and desired emphasis when choosing an alternative, and practice regularly to integrate these expressions seamlessly into your communication style. With a little effort, you can move beyond “not only that” and unlock a world of expressive possibilities.