What Does “Not to Mention That” Mean?
The phrase “not to mention that” is used to add extra information—often something obvious, significant, or overwhelming—to a statement already made. It emphasizes that what you’ve just said is only part of the story.
“She’s fluent in three languages, not to mention that she’s published two novels.”
In this example, being multilingual is impressive—but the fact she’s also a published author adds even more weight.
Common Usage & Grammar Tips
- It’s usually followed by a clause (subject + verb).
- Often used in spoken and written English for emphasis.
- Can be replaced with “let alone” or “in addition to” in some contexts—but with subtle differences.
- Don’t confuse it with “not mentioning that,” which is grammatically incorrect in this structure.
Real-Life Examples
- The concert was sold out, not to mention that it rained the entire night!
- He’s late again, not to mention that he forgot the presentation slides.
- This laptop is fast, lightweight, and affordable—not to mention that it has a 20-hour battery life.
Quick Quiz: Is This Correct?
Which sentence uses “not to mention that” properly?
A) Not to mention that he didn’t study, he also missed the exam.
B) He didn’t study, not to mention that he missed the exam.