only one goal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only one goal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize a singular objective or aim in various contexts, such as personal aspirations, team objectives, or project targets. Example: "In this project, we have only one goal: to deliver the best quality product to our customers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He has also won three of four shootouts, allowing only one goal on 13 attempts.

The New York Times - Sports

They were constrained to explore only one goal arm of the maze on each trial.

European Journal of Neuroscience

On her own but not alone she has only one goal, to survive.

The Guardian - Tech

And only one goal again last night.

The New York Times - Sports

But, once again, the Islanders scored only one goal.

The New York Times - Sports

But fitness is only one goal for Donovan.

The Guardian - Sport

And Kvasha had produced only one goal in 15 games.

The New York Times - Sports

I shall mention only one goal, one of the easiest to understand.

Princeton University

Bafétimbi Gomis has only one goal from his past 16 appearances.

The Guardian - Sport

The United States has allowed only one goal in the past nine World Cup qualifying games.

The New York Times - Sports

Jones, with only one goal in nine appearances, is anything but a local hero.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "only one goal", ensure that the context clearly defines what that single objective is. Ambiguity can weaken the impact of emphasizing a singular focus.

Common error

Avoid using "only one goal" when multiple objectives are clearly present. This can mislead the audience and diminish the credibility of your communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only one goal" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It identifies the single, specific objective or aim being discussed, as supported by examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "only one goal" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that emphasizes a singular objective. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is widely employed across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Academia. Related phrases such as "sole objective" or "primary objective" can provide alternative ways to express this concept, depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When writing, it's important to ensure the context clearly defines the single objective and avoids implying multiple aims. The phrase carries a neutral register suitable for various professional and formal communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sole objective

Emphasizes the singularity and exclusiveness of the objective.

single aim

Replaces "goal" with "aim", maintaining the focus on a solitary purpose.

primary objective

Highlights the main focus or purpose, suggesting a hierarchy of objectives.

sole purpose

Emphasizes the uniqueness and exclusivity of the purpose.

one single objective

Adds emphasis to the singularity of the objective.

singular focus

Shifts from a goal-oriented perspective to a focus-oriented one, still implying a unique target.

chief aim

Replaces "goal" with "aim" and adds "chief" to highlight the importance.

main objective

Highlights the main focus or purpose, making it clear it's the principal one.

overriding goal

Indicates that this goal takes precedence over others.

paramount aim

Emphasizes that the aim is of utmost importance.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "only one goal" to emphasize its importance?

Consider alternatives like "primary objective", "sole objective", or "paramount aim" to highlight the significance of the single aim.

Is it appropriate to use "only one goal" in a formal setting?

Yes, "only one goal" is appropriate in formal settings. However, for added emphasis or precision, you might choose a more formal synonym like "singular focus" or "chief aim".

What is the difference between "only one goal" and "main goal"?

"Only one goal" implies there is literally a single objective, while "main goal" suggests it is the most important among possibly other goals. The choice depends on whether you want to express exclusivity or prioritization.

Can "only one goal" be used when there are supporting objectives?

Yes, "only one goal" can be used if the supporting objectives directly contribute to and are encompassed by that single, overarching goal. Be sure to clarify how those objectives align with the "sole objective".