Finding the right words can completely change how your message feels. Using alternatives to “not only” can make your writing warmer, clearer, and more personal. Whether you’re trying to show appreciation, express emotion, or communicate thoughtfully, these phrases help your message sound more caring, expressive, and meaningful.
What Does “Not Only” Mean?
The phrase “not only” is used to show that something has more than one positive, important, or impressive quality. It highlights that one thing is true plus something else.
Example: Not only did she help me, but she also inspired me.
Is It Professional/Polite to Say “Not Only”?
Yes — “not only” is perfectly professional, polite, and appropriate in conversations, emails, academic writing, and everyday messages. It helps you express added value or multiple qualities in a clear way.
Pros or Cons of Using “Not Only”
Pros
- Adds emphasis in a natural and clear way
- Makes writing sound more complete
- Shows multiple qualities or actions
- Works in both casual and professional messages
Cons
- Can sound a bit formal in very casual speech
- If overused, it may feel repetitive
- Some sentences may sound heavy if not structured well
Synonyms For “Not Only”
- Along with
- Combined with
- As well as
- In addition to
- Together with
- Plus
- On top of that
- Moreover
- Furthermore
- What’s more
- Besides
- Coupled with
- Added to that
- In combination with
- As an added benefit
- As an extra point
- Even more so
- Over and above that
- To add to that
- Not to mention
- Better yet
- Plus the fact that
- Even beyond that
- Beyond this
- To top it all off
- Additionally
- Equally important
- Another thing is
- Let’s not forget
- In the same way
1. Along with
Scenario: When you want to show two meaningful qualities working together.
Examples:
- She brings kindness, along with great leadership.
- He offered guidance, along with patience.
- They shared their ideas, along with helpful feedback.
Tone: Warm and supportive.
Explanation: Highlights two things that complement one another.
2. Combined with
Scenario: When two factors make something stronger.
Examples:
- Her talent, combined with hard work, made her succeed.
- His calm nature, combined with confidence, inspires others.
- The design, combined with color choice, feels perfect.
Tone: Strong and uplifting.
Explanation: Shows how two elements create a powerful result.
3. As well as
Scenario: When adding a second important point in a gentle way.
Examples:
- She is thoughtful as well as reliable.
- He offered comfort as well as support.
- The idea is creative as well as useful.
Tone: Soft and caring.
Explanation: Indicates an additional positive quality.
4. In addition to
Scenario: When showing extra support or qualities.
Examples:
- In addition to helping me, she encouraged me.
- In addition to learning, he shared his notes.
- In addition to the gift, she wrote a lovely message.
Tone: Clear and kind.
Explanation: Adds extra detail naturally.
5. Together with
Scenario: When two qualities create a complete picture.
Examples:
- Her honesty, together with her warmth, makes her admirable.
- His humor, together with sensitivity, stands out.
- Patience, together with effort, pays off.
Tone: Balanced and warm.
Explanation: Emphasizes partnership between two traits.
6. Plus
Scenario: When adding something simple but meaningful.
Examples:
- She’s smart, plus she’s kind.
- The plan is practical, plus affordable.
- He’s helpful, plus easy to talk to.
Tone: Friendly and casual.
Explanation: Quick and easy way to add information.
7. On top of that
Scenario: When something extra makes the situation even better.
Examples:
- She helped me, on top of that, she checked on me later.
- The day was fun, on top of that, relaxing.
- He apologized, on top of that, he made things right.
Tone: Warm and appreciative.
Explanation: Adds emphasis to an extra effort.
8. Moreover
Scenario: When writing politely and professionally.
Examples:
- She delivered the work early; moreover, it was excellent.
- He listened carefully; moreover, he acted kindly.
- The idea is promising; moreover, it’s practical.
Tone: Professional and polished.
Explanation: Adds a strong second point.
9. Furthermore
Scenario: When adding meaningful, supportive information.
Examples:
- She stayed calm; furthermore, she guided others.
- He studied hard; furthermore, he helped his classmates.
- The message was clear; furthermore, it was inspiring.
Tone: Formal yet caring.
Explanation: Strengthens your point.
10. What’s more
Scenario: When emphasizing something extra and impressive.
Examples:
- She helped, and what’s more, she stayed positive.
- He improved, and what’s more, he motivated others.
- The idea works, and what’s more, it’s simple.
Tone: Friendly and engaging.
Explanation: Highlights a bonus element.
11. Besides
Scenario: When adding supportive details.
Examples:
- She’s bright; besides, she’s compassionate.
- He’s busy; besides, he’s handling many tasks.
- The project is long; besides, it requires teamwork.
Tone: Calm and thoughtful.
Explanation: Adds an extra consideration.
12. Coupled with
Scenario: When two qualities enhance each other.
Examples:
- Her confidence, coupled with kindness, shines.
- His skills, coupled with passion, impress everyone.
- Their teamwork, coupled with trust, brings success.
Tone: Strong and appreciative.
Explanation: Shows combined strengths.
13. Added to that
Scenario: When highlighting another positive point.
Examples:
- She encouraged me; added to that, she checked daily.
- The idea is good; added to that, it’s affordable.
- He’s dedicated; added to that, he’s patient.
Tone: Gentle emphasis.
Explanation: Perfect when something extra matters.
14. In combination with
Scenario: When explaining how two things work well together.
Examples:
- Effort, in combination with consistency, creates results.
- His creativity, in combination with focus, is inspiring.
- Their strategy, in combination with teamwork, succeeded.
Tone: Balanced and reflective.
Explanation: For describing harmony between qualities.
15. As an added benefit
Scenario: When pointing out something extra and helpful.
Examples:
- The plan works; as an added benefit, it saves time.
- She helped; as an added benefit, she taught me too.
- He listened; as an added benefit, he comforted me.
Tone: Positive and thoughtful.
Explanation: Shows the value of extra qualities.
16. As an extra point
Scenario: When adding supportive or clarifying detail.
Examples:
- The idea is helpful; as an extra point, it’s practical.
- He explained well; as an extra point, he stayed patient.
- She cleaned; as an extra point, she organized.
Tone: Clear and gentle.
Explanation: Adds a small but meaningful point.
Read More:30 Other Ways to Say “Good Girl” (With Examples)
17. Even more so
Scenario: When the second point is more important.
Examples:
- She’s caring; even more so, she’s consistent.
- He’s strong; even more so, he’s humble.
- The plan is good; even more so, it’s reliable.
Tone: Emotional and deep.
Explanation: Highlights the stronger of two qualities.
18. Over and above that
Scenario: When stressing something meaningful that goes beyond expectations.
Examples:
- She helped; over and above that, she comforted me.
- He finished early; over and above that, he checked your work.
- The event was organized; over and above that, it was fun.
Tone: Appreciative and warm.
Explanation: For extra effort or generosity.
19. To add to that
Scenario: When continuing a thought with care.
Examples:
- She listened; to add to that, she understood.
- He prepared; to add to that, he shared materials.
- The plan is flexible; to add to that, affordable.
Tone: Supportive.
Explanation: Smoothly adds more detail.
20. Not to mention
Scenario: When adding something obvious or impressive.
Examples:
- She’s talented, not to mention kind.
- The place is pretty, not to mention peaceful.
- He’s hardworking, not to mention humble.
Tone: Warm and expressive.
Explanation: Adds emphasis on a meaningful point.
21. Better yet
Scenario: When offering an even nicer thought.
Examples:
- She helped; better yet, she stayed with me.
- He apologized; better yet, he fixed it.
- The idea works; better yet, it’s simple.
Tone: Uplifting.
Explanation: Highlights an improved additional point.
22. Plus the fact that
Scenario: When explaining two strong reasons.
Examples:
- She’s patient, plus the fact that she’s encouraging.
- It’s useful, plus the fact that it’s easy.
- He’s responsible, plus the fact that he’s respectful.
Tone: Gentle and honest.
Explanation: Good for multi-reason statements.
23. Even beyond that
Scenario: When something exceeds expectations emotionally.
Examples:
- She supported me, even beyond that, she checked daily.
- The speech was strong, even beyond that, inspiring.
- He helped, even beyond that, he guided me.
Tone: Deep and expressive.
Explanation: For meaningful emotional depth.
24. Beyond this
Scenario: When explaining something goes further than the first point.
Examples:
- She was kind; beyond this, she was thoughtful.
- He prepared; beyond this, he motivated others.
- The idea is clear; beyond this, it’s effective.
Tone: Calm and warm.
Explanation: Shows an extension of the point.
25. To top it all off
Scenario: When something final and special adds value.
Examples:
- She helped, and to top it all off, she wrote a note.
- He cooked, and to top it all off, he cleaned.
- The event was fun, and to top it all off, meaningful.
Tone: Positive and cheerful.
Explanation: Used when the “final point” is special.
26. Additionally
Scenario: When adding clear and gentle details.
Examples:
- She explained; additionally, she showed examples.
- He listened; additionally, he clarified.
- It’s useful; additionally, affordable.
Tone: Professional and soft.
Explanation: Adds information smoothly.
27. Equally important
Scenario: When two ideas deserve the same respect.
Examples:
- She’s skilled; equally important, she’s kind.
- The plan is practical; equally important, it’s safe.
- He’s fast; equally important, he’s accurate.
Tone: Balanced and respectful.
Explanation: Places equal value on two qualities.
28. Another thing is
Scenario: When gently adding more to your thought.
Examples:
- She’s caring; another thing is, she’s consistent.
- He tries hard; another thing is, he helps others.
- The idea works; another thing is, it’s easy.
Tone: Conversational and friendly.
Explanation: Informally adds details.
29. Let’s not forget
Scenario: When reminding someone of something important.
Examples:
- She’s helpful; let’s not forget, she’s patient.
- He’s talented; let’s not forget, he’s humble.
- The plan is solid; let’s not forget, it’s flexible.
Tone: Warm and thoughtful.
Explanation: Highlights something meaningful that matters.
30. In the same way
Scenario: When showing two similar meaningful qualities.
Examples:
- She inspires others; in the same way, she uplifts them.
- He works hard; in the same way, he helps others succeed.
- The idea is helpful; in the same way, it’s practical.
Tone: Gentle and reflective.
Explanation: Shows harmony between the two points.
Conclusion
Finding alternatives to “not only” helps your message feel warmer, clearer, and more personal. These phrases make it easier to express appreciation, add meaningful details, and communicate with kindness. With these options, you can share your thoughts in a way that feels more natural, thoughtful, and true to your voice.

Emma Brooke is a passionate advocate for effective communication and language mastery. As a dedicated professional in the field of grammar and writing, Emma brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to those seeking to improve their linguistic skills. With a focus on clarity, precision, and style, Emma Brooke is committed to helping individuals refine their language use to communicate confidently and effectively.











