but solely because

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but solely because" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that a particular reason is the only factor influencing a decision or outcome. Example: "I chose to leave the meeting early, but solely because I had another commitment to attend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

We did so not because we desired such a course, but solely because the Government had left us with no other choice.

Independent

"If this be so, it is not by reason of anything found in the act, but solely because the colored race chooses to put that construction upon it".

The New Yorker

We did so not because we desired such a course, but solely because the government had left us with no other choice.

The Guardian

On Jan . 15 President Bush criticized Michigan's polices, which he said gave preference to some applicants "not because of any academic achievement or life experience, but solely because they are African-American, Hispanic or Native American".

The New York Times

During World War II, the government interned 120,000 citizens and immigrants, not because of any individualized determination that they posed a threat but solely because they were of Japanese ancestry.

The New York Times

At the undergraduate level African-American students and some Hispanic students and Native American students receive 20 points out of a maximum 150 not because of any academic achievement or life experience, but solely because they are African-American, Hispanic or Native American.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Was it solely because, consciously or not, we wanted to support younger women?

The New York Times - Arts

Germany has indeed become much more competitive over the past decade, but not solely because of tough reforms and tight budgets, as the next section will show.

The Economist

I was saddened when I read about Alvin Street, the beloved gentleman compassionately depicted in "Homeless Man Found a Place on East 21st," by Clyde Haberman (NYC column, Feb. 6), but not solely because of his untimely death.

The New York Times

At any rate, we are also increasingly fretful about a world that seems to be running out of control, largely (but not solely) because of information technology and what the life sciences are making possible.

The Guardian - Opinion

The azygous vein obviously can drain the spinal cord, but not solely, because many intercostal venous collateral veins fulfil the same function.

CardioVascular and Interventional Radiology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but solely because" to clearly indicate that a single reason is the only cause or justification for something, leaving no room for ambiguity. This is especially useful in formal writing and argumentative contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "but solely because" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "but just because" or "but only because" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but solely because" functions as a conjunction phrase. It connects two contrasting ideas, emphasizing that the second idea is exclusively caused by the stated reason. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but solely because" is a grammatically correct conjunction used to emphasize that a particular reason is the only determining factor in a given situation. Ludwig AI validates its usage in various formal and informal contexts. While versatile, it's more suited for situations requiring precision, as confirmed by its frequency in news, media, and scientific sources. When aiming for simplicity or informality, consider alternatives such as "but only because" or "but simply because". Understanding these nuances ensures effective and appropriate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but exclusively because

Replaces "solely" with "exclusively", emphasizing the single, unique reason.

but only because

Uses "only" instead of "solely", providing a more direct and common alternative.

but purely because

Emphasizes the lack of any other influencing factors, using "purely" for intensification.

but simply because

Offers a less emphatic alternative, suggesting the reason is straightforward and uncomplicated.

but merely because

Similar to "simply because", but with a slightly dismissive tone, suggesting the reason is minimal.

but just because

Informal alternative emphasizing a single, often questioned, reason.

but precisely because

Highlights a specific reason, clarifying it as the exact and only cause.

but specifically because

Focuses on one particular reason, isolating it from any other potential factors.

but entirely because

Stresses the completeness of the reason, using "entirely" to denote its full influence.

but fundamentally because

Indicates the reason is a basic, underlying cause, rather than a superficial one.

FAQs

How can I use "but solely because" in a sentence?

Use "but solely because" to emphasize that a single factor is the only reason for a particular outcome. For example: "The project failed, but solely because of a lack of funding."

What phrases are similar to "but solely because"?

You can use alternatives such as "but exclusively because", "but only because", or "but simply because" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it always necessary to use "but solely because", or are there simpler alternatives?

While "but solely because" is grammatically correct, simpler alternatives like "but only because" or "but just because" may be more appropriate in informal contexts.

What is the difference between "but solely because" and "but mainly because"?

"But solely because" indicates a single, exclusive reason, whereas "but mainly because" suggests that the stated reason is the primary one, but other factors may also be involved.