a sole parent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sole parent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a parent who is raising a child or children without the assistance of a partner or spouse. Example: "Being a sole parent can be challenging, but it also brings a unique sense of fulfillment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

A sole parent with no earnings and studying to acquire new skills who is caring for a primary school aged child will be $73 per week worse off.

The Guardian - Opinion

"If passed, those bills would cut $60 a week from the income of a sole parent with two teenage children and $47 from the income of a 23-year-old applying for unemployment benefits.

The Guardian

"Given the time constraints of being a sole parent, it might be a more convenient way of trying to meet other people," said Dr. Julian Bain, Mediamark's chief research officer.

The New York Times

Family tax benefits, together with Newstart allowance (a total income of $547 per week) left a sole parent family with a primary school age child $93 per week below the poverty line in 2011".

The Guardian

It found: a sole parent with two teenage children and no private income (who applies for social security after these measures take effect) would lose $96 per week an unemployed 22 year old living independently of their parents would forego $1,053 in income support while waiting a month for benefits, and then receive $51 per week less.

The Guardian

Children of a sole parent living alone are almost four times more likely (OR = 3.76) than children of two parents living together to experience multiple changes (4+) in childcare arrangements in the first 2 years of life.

International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

A single parent (also termed lone parent or sole parent) is a parent who cares for one or more children without the assistance of the other biological parent.

Wikipedia

He was now the sole parent of a son and three daughters, one with Down syndrome.

The New York Times

It went to Florence Dawson, the sole parent in a family of six, who is still not working for pay, but stretches reduced benefits with dried beans and the bread she bakes.

The New York Times

In Brooklyn, Florence Dawson, the sole parent in a family of six, is also uncertain whether she will be begging for help from the church to feed the children next week, and calling charities for Christmas toys.

The New York Times

A sole surviving parent can, of course, leave a treasured home to children by specifically giving the property to them in a will.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about family structures, consider using the term "a sole parent" to highlight the individual's responsibilities and challenges. This term can be more empathetic than simply stating "single parent".

Common error

Avoid making assumptions about the experiences of "a sole parent". Each family faces unique circumstances, and generalizing can lead to insensitive or inaccurate portrayals.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sole parent" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It identifies an individual who is the primary or only caregiver for a child or children. As Ludwig AI examples show, the phrase is used in discussions about welfare, childcare, and family structures.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a sole parent" is a grammatically correct and acceptable term for describing a parent who is raising a child or children without the assistance of another parent. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is most commonly used in News & Media and Science contexts. While interchangeable with "single parent", it emphasizes the individual's complete responsibility. When using this phrase, avoid generalizations and maintain sensitivity. Alternatives include "lone parent" and "unaccompanied parent". Understanding the nuances and appropriate contexts ensures respectful and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

single parent

A more common and widely recognized term for a parent raising a child alone.

lone parent

Similar to "single parent", but may imply a sense of isolation or lack of support.

unaccompanied parent

Highlights the absence of another parent figure in the household.

one-parent family

Focuses on the family structure rather than the individual parent.

parent without a partner

Emphasizes the lack of a romantic or co-parenting relationship.

single caregiver

Highlights the caregiving responsibilities of the parent.

primary caregiver

Focuses on the parent's role as the main provider of care and support.

parent on their own

Emphasizes the parent's independence and self-reliance.

parent responsible for all childcare

Highlights the comprehensive nature of the parent's responsibilities.

head of household

Focuses on the parent's role as the leader and provider for the family.

FAQs

What is the difference between "a sole parent" and a single parent?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, "a sole parent" can emphasize the parent's complete responsibility and lack of co-parenting, while "single parent" is a more general term for a parent not living with a partner.

Is it offensive to use the term "a sole parent"?

No, the term "a sole parent" is generally not considered offensive. However, it's important to use respectful and sensitive language when discussing family structures.

What are some of the challenges faced by "a sole parent"?

Some common challenges include financial strain, time constraints, lack of support, and emotional stress. The specific challenges will vary depending on individual circumstances.

What are some alternatives to "a sole parent"?

You can use alternatives like "single parent", "lone parent", or "unaccompanied parent", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.