sole aim

USAGE SUMMARY

'sole aim' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the single object or purpose that someone is trying to achieve. For example, "The team's sole aim was to win the championship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That was the sole aim," they said.

The Guardian

That is my sole aim for next season.

The Guardian - Sport

They argue that the sole aim of business is profit.

The Guardian

And partly for the same reason: that its sole aim is to make us laugh.

The Guardian

My sole aim is to design beautiful, well-made, comfortable clothing for all ages.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"My sole aim is to serve the suffering people of Afghanistan".

The New York Times

The firm's website, mya4e.com, stated: "A4e is a social purpose company with one sole aim.

The Guardian

Voices of people continue to be drowned by corporate interests, whose sole aim is profit.

The Guardian

"The exact description of consciousness is the sole aim of experimental psychology," Wundt wrote.

The New Yorker

The court said he had obtained the funds with the sole aim of "personal enrichment".

The Guardian

The sole aim of the magazine's Arkansas Project was to dig up dirt on the Clintons.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sole aim", ensure that the context supports the singularity of the objective. If multiple aims exist, consider using "primary aim" or "main aim" instead.

Common error

Avoid using "sole aim" when there are, in reality, multiple objectives. Using it inappropriately can make your statement seem disingenuous or misleading if other, unstated goals are also in play.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sole aim" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It denotes the singular, most important objective or goal. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sole aim" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that denotes the single, most important objective. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly news, business, and formal communications. When using "sole aim", remember to emphasize the singular and exclusive nature of the goal. Alternatives like "primary objective" or "main intention" can be used when the objective isn't truly singular. Remember to avoid overstating the exclusivity if other unstated objectives are present. With a high expert rating and widespread usage, "sole aim" remains a valuable tool for clear and emphatic communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary objective

This alternative highlights the main goal, emphasizing its importance.

main intention

This option focuses on the purpose behind an action, rather than the action itself.

only goal

This phrase stresses the exclusivity of the goal, implying there are no other objectives.

single purpose

This emphasizes the singular nature of the aim, highlighting its focus.

principal objective

This alternative suggests that the objective is of utmost importance.

chief aim

This highlights the hierarchical importance of the aim, positioning it at the top.

overriding goal

This option stresses that the goal takes precedence over other considerations.

fundamental intention

This emphasizes the basic and essential nature of the intention.

ultimate objective

This alternative focuses on the final, culminating goal.

central purpose

This emphasizes that the purpose is at the core of the action or plan.

FAQs

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

You can use "sole aim" to emphasize the single, most important objective. For example, "The company's "sole aim" is to increase profits this quarter".

What are some alternatives to using "sole aim"?

Alternatives include "primary objective", "main intention", or "single purpose", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "one of the sole aims"?

No, it is incorrect. The phrase "sole aim" implies that there is only one aim. Using "one of the sole aims" is contradictory. You might consider rephrasing to "one of the main aims" instead.

What's the difference between "sole aim" and "main aim"?

"Sole aim" indicates a single, exclusive objective. "Main aim" implies that there are other objectives, but this one is the most important. Use "main aim" when there are multiple goals, but one is prioritized.