a sole source

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sole source" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a single supplier or provider of goods or services, often in a business or procurement context. Example: "The company decided to contract with a sole source for the supply of specialized equipment to ensure consistency and quality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Having a sole source of news — those days are over".

The New York Times

Whether the contract was awarded on a sole source basis or after receipt of competitive offers.

Cornell University

Strain GPE1 produce biosurfactants and degrades carbazole as a sole source of carbon and energy.

Harvard University

In the absence of other qualified sources, it is the State's intent to make a sole source award.

Columbia University

How do you persuade a customer to accept us as a sole source for an important component?

Harvard Business Review

Customers relying on a sole source for 3D printed parts may have limited options in obtaining the best deals.

Journal of Manufacturing Systems

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

"It's not a sole-source solution".

The New York Times

Others said they were not convinced that a sole-source contract was necessary to launch sports gambling quickly.

The Washington Post

We also have to ask one last question: Will the customer accept a sole-source relationship with us?

Harvard Business Review

The company designed the sheriff's department's trailer camp, a few miles from its former headquarters, under a sole-source contract.

The Washington Post

"I would expect senior officials to be more sensitive to the optics of a sole-source award under this administration,'' Hornyak said.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a supplier agreement, clarify the specific context where "a sole source" is justified. Ensure transparency in procurement processes.

Common error

Do not depend on "a sole source" for critical information without cross-verification. Always consult multiple sources to ensure accuracy and avoid bias.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sole source" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as an adjective to describe another noun. Ludwig examples show it modifying terms like 'contract', 'energy', and 'carbon', indicating its role in specifying the origin or provision of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

49%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a sole source" is a versatile term used to denote exclusivity in origin or supply. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across varied contexts, including news, science, and academia. It's crucial to consider the implications of relying on "a sole source", particularly in procurement and information gathering. While offering potential benefits such as consistency, diversifying sources often mitigates risks. Alternatives like "exclusive source" or "single provider" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exclusive source

Emphasizes the exclusivity of the source, highlighting that it is the only one available.

single provider

Focuses on the provider being the only one offering a particular service or product.

only supplier

Highlights the supplier's unique position in providing goods.

unique origin

Stresses the distinctiveness and singularity of the source.

one-stop shop

Implies that all needs can be met by a single entity, differing in that it suggests comprehensiveness.

primary resource

Indicates a main, but not necessarily exclusive, source of information or materials.

central hub

Suggests a central point for distribution or information, with a slightly different connotation.

mainstay

Implies reliability and long-term dependence, adding a temporal dimension.

essential element

Highlights the necessity of the source, shifting the focus to its importance.

cornerstone

Emphasizes the foundational nature of the source, indicating it is indispensable.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sole source" to describe a situation where there is only one supplier, provider, or origin for something. For example, "The company became dependent on "a sole source" for its raw materials".

What are some alternatives to using "a sole source"?

Alternatives include "exclusive source", "single provider", or "only supplier", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to have "a sole source" or multiple sources?

It depends on the situation. "A sole source" may offer consistency or specialized expertise, but relying on multiple sources can mitigate risks and encourage competition.

What does "sole source procurement" mean?

"Sole source procurement" refers to a purchasing process where a contract is awarded to "a sole source" without competitive bidding, often due to unique capabilities or urgency.