Not to mention adds one more strong point to what you've just said. The room is bright and quiet, not to mention close to the station: it has all that, and it's near the station too. It works for advantages and disadvantages: not to mention the cost. It sounds natural in conversation and in essays.
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statement, not to mention + additional point
- The new route saves fuel, not to mention several hours of driving.
- The room is bright and quiet, not to mention close to the station.
- We need to replace the chairs, not to mention the damaged floor.
What changed
First versionThe new route saves fuel, not to mention about the time we save.
RevisionThe new route saves fuel, not to mention the time we save.
Talk about, speak about, think about: about follows so many verbs of speaking that it creeps in here: not to mention about. But mention takes its object directly, with no preposition: mention the time. About was removed.
Moreover starts a separate sentence: Moreover, the route is safer. Not to mention attaches the extra point to the same sentence. Let alone also means and certainly not, but only after a negative: I can't afford a bike, let alone a car.
Your turn
Choose the direct addition: The trip was exhausting, not to mention ___ the cost.
Show the answer
— — Mention doesn't need a preposition: not to mention the cost. About comes from talk about or speak about, but mention doesn't take it.
Praise or criticise your home, job or city, and add one more point with not to mention.
The old printer wastes paper, not to mention the time spent clearing jams.
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