a sole opportunity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sole opportunity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that there is only one chance or possibility available for something. Example: "This is a sole opportunity to invest in a groundbreaking project that could change the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

That was the main first-half entertainment apart from a sole opportunity apiece.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Some of the older kids were in high school already and picked swimming as an elective – the sole opportunity Indigenous children had to swim in the pool.

The Guardian

The managing producer, Elizabeth I. McCann, who arrived two years ago, has been producing on Broadway for three decades and understands the marketing possibilities of the Tonys, often a Broadway production's sole opportunity to be seen by viewers nationwide.

The New York Times - Arts

It was not until after Jay Ward Productions closed that Mr. Hurtz had his sole opportunity to direct an animated feature, "Little Nemo: Adventures in Slumberland," released in 1992.

The New York Times

In Tim Ream's sole opportunity under Klinsmann he gave up a crucial goal and registered a 3.17 CPR.

The New York Times

Its screenplay is probably the sole opportunity for any Oscar attention, and even that seems like a long shot.

Huffington Post

United's sole opportunity of that opening period was within inches of sending them in front.

The Guardian - Sport

There is colossal inequity between the men and women sprinters, as this is her sole opportunity to Hoy's three.

The Guardian - Sport

The show, which was selected by Hilliard T. Goldfarb, associate chief curator at the Montreal museum, is the sole opportunity to see this group of works on this side of the Atlantic.

The New York Times - Arts

The sole opportunity fell for Hugo Rodallega.

BBC

This is unfortunate and the IOC should reconsider this decision, not least because the torch is the sole opportunity for the general public to encounter the Olympic experience.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sole opportunity" when you want to emphasize that there is only one chance to achieve something, highlighting the importance of taking advantage of it.

Common error

Don't use "a sole opportunity" if there are actually multiple ways to achieve a goal. Reserve this phrase for scenarios where there's genuinely only one avenue available.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sole opportunity" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object, emphasizing the singular and exclusive nature of the chance. Ludwig confirms its usability. It indicates a unique instance where something can be achieved.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sole opportunity" is a grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize the uniqueness and limited availability of a chance. Ludwig confirms its validity, and its usage spans various contexts, including news, science, and formal communications. While not overly frequent, its distinct purpose makes it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary. When using the phrase, be mindful to reserve it for instances where there truly is only one chance to succeed. This phrase is most frequently used by news sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a unique chance

Replaces "opportunity" with "chance", emphasizing the aspect of luck or fate.

the solitary option

Highlights the fact that only one option is available.

a single possibility

Focuses on the singularity of the possibility rather than the advantage.

the only prospect

Highlights that there are no other options or outlooks.

an exclusive opening

Implies a limited and privileged access to something.

a rare occasion

Stresses the infrequency of the event or circumstance.

a limited window

Conveys that there is a specific time when one can act.

a one-time offer

Puts emphasis on the temporal limitation, suggesting it's available only once.

a precious moment

Emphasizes the value and importance of the opportunity.

the ultimate shot

Suggests that if one fails to take it, no future opportunity is guaranteed.

FAQs

How can I use "a sole opportunity" in a sentence?

You can use "a sole opportunity" to emphasize the uniqueness and limited availability of a chance. For example: "This grant represents "a sole opportunity" for the research team to secure funding."

What can I say instead of "a sole opportunity"?

You can use alternatives like "a unique chance", "the only prospect", or "a single possibility" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the sole opportunity" instead of "a sole opportunity"?

Both phrases can be correct, but they have slightly different implications. "The sole opportunity" implies that it is already established or known that this is the only opportunity. "A sole opportunity" introduces the idea that it is the only opportunity.

What makes "a sole opportunity" different from "a rare opportunity"?

"A rare opportunity" implies that such chances are uncommon, but there could be other possibilities. "A sole opportunity" indicates that this is the one and only chance, with no alternatives available.