Not Only vs. Only

Attribute	Not Only	Only
Definition	Not just limited to one thing	Exclusively limited to one thing
Usage	Used to emphasize the inclusion of additional things	Used to emphasize the exclusion of other things
Meaning	Implies inclusivity	Implies exclusivity

Definition and Usage

Both "not only" and "only" are adverbs that are used to emphasize a particular point in a sentence. However, they are used in slightly different ways. "Not only" is used to introduce an additional point or emphasize the unexpectedness of a situation. For example, "Not only did she win the race, but she also broke the record." On the other hand, "only" is used to indicate exclusivity or limitation. For example, "She only ate vegetables for dinner."

Emphasis

One key difference between "not only" and "only" is the level of emphasis they provide in a sentence. "Not only" is often used to add emphasis to a statement by highlighting the unexpectedness of a situation. It is typically followed by "but also" to introduce a second point. For example, "Not only did he finish the project ahead of schedule, but he also exceeded all expectations." On the other hand, "only" is used to indicate exclusivity or limitation without necessarily emphasizing the unexpectedness of a situation. For example, "She only drinks coffee in the morning."

Placement in a Sentence

The placement of "not only" and "only" in a sentence can also vary. "Not only" is typically placed at the beginning of a sentence to introduce an additional point or emphasize the unexpectedness of a situation. For example, "Not only did she ace the exam, but she also received a scholarship." On the other hand, "only" can be placed at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence depending on the intended emphasis. For example, "Only she knows the truth," "She only eats organic food," or "She eats only organic food."

Usage in Writing

When it comes to writing, both "not only" and "only" can be used to add clarity and emphasis to a sentence. However, it is important to use them correctly to convey the intended meaning. "Not only" is often used in more formal writing to introduce additional information or emphasize a surprising fact. For example, "Not only did the team win the championship, but they also set a new record." On the other hand, "only" is used to indicate restriction or limitation in a sentence. For example, "She only wears black on Fridays."

Common Mistakes

One common mistake when using "not only" and "only" is mixing up their placement in a sentence. It is important to remember that "not only" is typically used at the beginning of a sentence to introduce an additional point, while "only" can be placed at different positions in a sentence depending on the intended emphasis. Another common mistake is using "not only" without following it with "but also" to introduce a second point. It is important to use both parts of the phrase to convey the intended meaning clearly. For example, "Not only did she pass the test" should be followed by "but she also received a perfect score."

Conclusion

In conclusion, "not only" and "only" are both adverbs that are used to add emphasis to a sentence. While they serve similar purposes, they have distinct differences in terms of usage and placement in a sentence. "Not only" is often used to introduce an additional point or emphasize the unexpectedness of a situation, while "only" is used to indicate exclusivity or limitation. By understanding the differences between these two adverbs, writers can effectively convey their intended meaning and add clarity to their writing.