for the sole purpose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for the sole purpose" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to an action or a goal that is intended for one purpose only. For example: "He set up a charity organization for the sole purpose of helping vulnerable children."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is for the sole purpose of assessing reader interests.

Yale University

He might have been created for the sole purpose of bowling on Australian pitches.

The Guardian - Sport

It's for the sole purpose of getting our vehicles back" if they are stolen.

The New York Times

The six committee members then set aside a weekend for the sole purpose of doing interviews.

Harvard Business Review

The agency would assume control for the sole purpose of arranging an orderly liquidation or merger.

The New York Times

Under the old guidelines, surfing the Internet for the sole purpose of developing leads was prohibited.

The New York Times

Three wars in less than a decade for the sole purpose of creating a German state.

The New York Times

They exist for the sole purpose of helping you reach a comfortable retirement.

The Washington Post

Have we brought wolves back for the sole purpose of hunting them down?

The New York Times

This address is used for the sole purpose of responding to your question via email.

Cornell University

The assignment was not created for the sole purpose of assessing students or for busy work.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for the sole purpose" to clearly define the singular intention behind an action or decision. This eliminates ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "for the sole purpose" in overly complex sentences where the purpose is already evident. Simpler constructions often lead to more direct and impactful writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for the sole purpose" functions as an adverbial phrase of purpose. It modifies a verb by specifying the exclusive reason or aim behind an action. As shown by Ludwig, this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for the sole purpose" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that acts as an adverbial phrase of purpose. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is used to specify the single, exclusive reason behind an action, ensuring clarity and avoiding ambiguity. While appropriate for various contexts, including news, academia, and science, it's important to avoid overuse in overly complex sentences. By clearly defining the singular intention, "for the sole purpose" enhances the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with the express intention

Emphasizes a clear and definite intention behind an action.

exclusively to

Highlights that something is only used or meant for one particular thing.

purely for the reason of

Underscores that there is no other reason besides the one stated.

simply to

Suggests a lack of complexity or additional motivation beyond the stated purpose.

only for the aim of

Focuses on the specific aim or goal that is being pursued.

specifically in order to

Highlights a deliberate and targeted effort to achieve a certain outcome.

just to

Implies that the stated purpose is the only motivation, often with a slightly dismissive tone.

with the single goal of

Stresses that only one goal is being pursued.

uniquely for

Indicates that something is specifically designed or intended for a certain purpose and nothing else.

designed exclusively for

Emphasizes that something was created with only one use or intention in mind.

FAQs

How can I use "for the sole purpose" in a sentence?

You can use "for the sole purpose" to specify that something is done with only one intention. For example, "The committee was formed "for the sole purpose" of reviewing the budget".

What are some alternatives to "for the sole purpose"?

Alternatives include "with the express intention", "exclusively to", or "purely for the reason of", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to use "only" with "for the sole purpose"?

While not grammatically incorrect, using "only" with "for the sole purpose" can be redundant. The phrase itself implies exclusivity, so adding "only" may not be necessary.

What's the difference between "for the sole purpose" and "with the intention of"?

"For the sole purpose" emphasizes that there is only one reason or aim, while "with the intention of" can imply multiple intentions, or a less defined aim. Consider the nuance you are trying to convey.