not be the only one vs not to be the only one

Both "not be the only one" and "not to be the only one" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Not be the only one" is more commonly used in informal speech or writing, while "not to be the only one" is more formal and structured. The choice between them depends on the level of formality you want to convey.

Last updated: March 28, 2024 • 745 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in informal contexts.

"not be the only one"

This phrase is used in informal speech or writing to express that someone is not the only person experiencing a particular situation or feeling.

Examples:

I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels this way.
You're not the only one who struggles with this issue.
He's not the only one who thinks that.
She's not the only one who has faced this challenge.
We're not the only ones who have noticed this trend.

Show examples from the web [+]

It's nice to not be the only one.
Looking at this right here... he might not be the only one.
Peter, we think Camille may not be the only one.
Look, to be honest, I'd rather not be the only one sitting at the NTAC table.
You may not be the only one at fault.
Because I can not be the only one alone at that wedding.
My romance might not be the only one to come to an untimely end.
But I also promise... this morning's attack will not be the only one today.
I'm afraid Anna may not be the only one who's researching an abnormality.
Looking at this right here... he might not be the only one.
And then Kal-El... will not be the only one with powers on this earth.
Income is one element defining regional development, but it must not be the only one.
I think Rollins is dead, and he may not be the only one.
We also agree with the recommendations Mr Cabrol makes at the end of his report, where he requests that this measure - the banning of advertising - should not be the only one.
Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, today we are debating a directive intended to fight marine pollution, and this will not be the only one this year.
Well, that's a great question, cousin Johnny, 'cause I will not be the only one going through that door. Dickie:
But if you do not tell me why you did this to me, I will not be the only one of us going to prison.
Secondly, there are many risks associated with games of chance, and so the argument regarding competition law and the internal market should not be the only one used by the Commission in support of infringement proceedings.
This report is the latest reason why I will not be the only one to be sorry that you, Mrs Echerer, will not be standing for this Parliament again.
Where Turkey is concerned, you would not be the only one, as a whole host of those who advocate its accession do not actually want it to join and are taking cover behind the criteria.

Alternatives:

I'm not alone in feeling this way.
Others feel the same way.
Many people share this sentiment.
It's a common experience.
There are others who understand.

This phrase is correct and more commonly used in formal contexts.

"not to be the only one"

This phrase is used in formal or structured writing to convey the idea that someone should not be the sole individual experiencing a particular situation or feeling.

Examples:

It is important for employees not to be the only ones burdened with this task.
The goal is for students not to be the only ones benefiting from this program.
The intention is for citizens not to be the only ones affected by this policy change.
The aim is for patients not to be the only ones receiving this treatment.
The objective is for researchers not to be the only ones exploring this topic.

Show examples from the web [+]

It's a relief not to be the only one in the room who's crazy.
I'm not going to be the only one That suffers from this, hanna.
You're not going to be the only one with nothing.
I'm not going to be the only one left without a chair when the music stops.
I did not want you to be the only one to know.
It's nice to not be the only one.
Why do I get the feeling she's not going to be the only one With that sentiment?
· The sectors proposed do not appear to be the only ones which require Community action or which require it as a priority; one need only think of, for example, healthcare, catering and the construction industry.
In my opinion - and I do not seem to be the only one to have this opinion - Toulouse was much more a problem of practical application of the legislation than a problem of legislation being deficient.
You just wanted to be the only one bidding.
These clothes appear to be the only ones I possess.
I seem to be the only one left standing.
I seem to be the only one available.
This appears to be the only one with people inside.
See, the funny thing is, is that she seems to be the only one seeing straight.
You and I appear to be the only ones left here, Miss Williams.
And for some reason, I seem to be the only one around here taking her threat seriously.
I mean, Scott and I were supposed to be the only ones that knew about it.
And I seem to be the only one that cares about asking why.
Mom's gone, you're remarried and I seem to be the only one who cares about anything she said.

Alternatives:

It is crucial that others also share this burden.
The program should benefit a wide range of students.
This policy change should impact all citizens.
Patients should have access to this treatment as well.
Researchers from various fields should investigate this topic.

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not be the only one vs not to be the only one