a sole reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sole reason" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that there is only one reason for something, often in a context where multiple reasons might be expected. Example: "The decision was made based on a sole reason: the need to improve efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

When you use race, ethnic origin, religion, any one of those factors as a sole reason or the main reason to take an investigative action, that is what I would think of as racial profiling.

The New York Times

Despite professional endorsement under given circumstances, maternal request as a sole reason does not account for the observed differences across countries in rates of caesarean section.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

However, we have not included the investigations recommended by NICE (renal function for ACE-I and serum potassium for spironolactone or the cost of starting Beta Blockers in hospital), since although NICE recommends this it is an unlikely sole reason for hospital admission.

BMC Public Health

By pretending to be gravely ill, Internet users can gain sympathy from a group whose sole reason for existence is support.

Wikipedia

The estimate of the treatment effect on progression-free survival is unbiased if a patient's sole reason for switching treatments is their progression.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

Herzl had been present at the Dreyfus degradation on that January day, as a journalist for a Viennese paper, and if one moment engraved his sense that Jews could never find a safe home in Europe this was it: "It has been established that justice could be refused to a Jew for the sole reason that he was a Jew".

The New Yorker

Home care costs for the administration of B12 injections in home-bound patients was not included since the proportion of patients receiving in-home injections was unknown, and it was assumed that these injections would be administered in conjunction with a regular visit rather than as the sole reason for a visit by a nurse.

BMJ Open

Her amendment excludes access in violation of an agreement, such as an acceptable use policy or terms of service agreement, with an Internet service provider, in cases where such a violation is the sole reason for determining that access to a computer is unauthorised.

The Guardian - Tech

It is easy to claim "beyond a reasonable doubt" is the sole reason why George Zimmerman walks free.

The Guardian - Opinion

Was the lack of a decent mount the sole reason I swore off driving forever?

TechCrunch

Gonna buy a parrot for the sole reason of it shitting on the post every day.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a sole reason", ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity. Clearly articulate the specific reason being highlighted to prevent misunderstandings or misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "a sole reason" if there are other contributing factors, even minor ones. If multiple factors are at play, consider using phrases like "a primary reason" or "a significant factor" to more accurately reflect the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sole reason" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. It identifies a single, exclusive cause or motive, emphasizing that no other factors are significantly contributing. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through its examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

6%

Academia

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a sole reason" is used to pinpoint a single, exclusive cause or motive. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is considered relatively rare in occurrence but is found across various contexts, most commonly in news and scientific publications. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the reason you're highlighting is truly the only one; otherwise, it may be better to consider alternatives such as "a primary reason" or "a significant factor".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the only reason

Specifies that there is no other reason besides the one mentioned.

the single reason

Emphasizes that there is just one reason, excluding any others.

the one and only reason

Intensifies the idea that there is absolutely no other reason.

the exclusive reason

Highlights that the mentioned reason is the only valid or applicable one.

the primary cause

Indicates the main reason, though other contributing factors might exist.

the main justification

Focuses on the principal reason why something is considered right or reasonable.

the key factor

Identifies the most important element influencing a situation.

the determining factor

Highlights the factor that ultimately decides the outcome.

the underlying motive

Refers to the fundamental reason that drives an action.

the root cause

Identifies the fundamental reason at the origin of a problem.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sole reason" to emphasize that something happened because of one specific cause. For example, "The project's failure was due to "poor planning", the sole reason for its downfall."

What phrases are similar to "a sole reason"?

Similar phrases include "the only reason", "the single reason", and "the exclusive reason". They all indicate that there is only one cause or explanation.

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

Both "a sole reason" and "the sole reason" are grammatically correct, but the choice depends on the context. "A sole reason" is used when introducing the reason, while "the sole reason" refers to a specific reason already known or implied.

When should I avoid using "a sole reason"?

Avoid using "a sole reason" if multiple factors contribute to an outcome. Using it implies that only one cause is responsible, which may be misleading if other factors are involved. In such cases, consider using terms like "a major factor" or "a primary cause".