Grammar
N2 connective

Not merely 〜のみならず

Meaning

"Not merely ~, but also …" — the formal written "not only".

Formation

Notes

のみ is a stiff だけ, so the whole phrase belongs to essays, reports and speeches rather than conversation. In speech, say ばかりでなく or だけでなく instead.

Examples

This work is highly regarded not only at home but abroad.

Breakdown
work (of art) domestically not only overseas is highly rated

He is outstanding not only as a researcher but as an educator.

Breakdown
researcher not only educator is excellent

It had a great influence on culture as well as the economy.

Breakdown
economy not only culture exerted influence

It is popular with older people as well as the young.

Breakdown
young people not only the elderly is popular

The environment is an issue for the whole world, not one country.

Breakdown
environmental problem one country not only the whole world is an issue

⚠️ Often confused with

Not only 〜ばかりか / 〜ばかりでなく

"Not only ~, but also …".

To say nothing of 〜はもちろん / 〜はもとより

"~ goes without saying, and also …".

In addition to 〜に加えて

"In addition to ~", "on top of ~".

Let alone 〜はおろか

"Let alone ~", "not only not ~ but not even ..." — the easier case fails too.

Not even (emphatic) 〜すら

"Even ~", "not even ~" — a written, emphatic さえ.

Not confined to 〜にとどまらず

"Not confined to ~", "not stopping at ~ but spreading further".