sole bearer

USAGE SUMMARY

"sole bearer" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to someone who is the only one responsible for or in possession of something. For example, "John was the sole bearer of the family's legacy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

In a politically moribund landscape, Macron was the sole bearer of optimistic values – the opposite of populist parties that feed off their hatred of the system and elites.

The Guardian - Opinion

He dismissed the lack of any connection between Sonboly and Isis, saying the terrorist group was not "the sole bearer of radical Islamic ideology".

The Guardian

Besides which, as an only child growing up in England, as the sole bearer of his Russian name, he had something altogether sui generis about him and wasn't terribly interested in his own prehistory.

The Guardian - Arts

The latter, as those who've been following along will recall, is now the sole bearer of Jigsaw's grisly legacy, although the fact that Bell's character had his throat slashed at the end of Part 3 hasn't prevented him from showing up in the sequels.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

(These attempts have generally been based on the assumption that states of affairs are the sole bearers of intrinsic value.

SEP

In particular it defends the role of the genes as the sole bearers of information, and argues that the mechanism of epigenetic modification of the DNA is but another vindication of Crick's version of the central dogma.

Duke University

As henceforth the sole bearers of the deceased's flesh, in a way they become its substitute.

Annals of Intensive Care

Tom Elliott is the sole standard bearer for unionism in the 2015 general election on Thursday after a deal between his Ulster Unionist party and the larger Democratic Unionists.

The Guardian

Still, they'd prefer it over Trump becoming the sole standard bearer of the conservative and mainstream Republican movement.

Huffington Post

And as a result the players, having long understood their responsibility as the sole standard bearers of national pride, are aware that the burden of expectation is greater on them today than ever.

The Guardian - Sport

Now Scunthorpe are sole standard bearers of England's second largest county and Peter Swann, chairman since last summer, is determined they will not follow Lincoln and Grimsby out after two relegations in three seasons.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sole bearer" to emphasize a unique responsibility or representation. Ensure the context clearly indicates what the individual or entity is uniquely responsible for.

Common error

Avoid using "sole bearer" in casual conversation or informal writing where simpler alternatives like "only one" or "single" would be more appropriate. This phrase lends itself better to formal or analytical writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sole bearer" typically functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It identifies the unique entity that carries a specific responsibility or characteristic, as exemplified in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sole bearer" is a noun phrase used to denote the unique entity responsible for something. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct but relatively rare, appearing most often in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While suitable for formal writing, it should be used sparingly in informal settings where simpler alternatives are available. Consider alternatives such as "only carrier" or "exclusive holder" to achieve a similar effect with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

only carrier

Emphasizes the singular role in conveying or transporting something, physical or abstract.

single custodian

Highlights the exclusive responsibility for protecting or maintaining something.

exclusive holder

Focuses on the unique possession or entitlement to something.

unique representative

Stresses being the only one authorized to act or speak on behalf of someone or something.

sole custodian

Highlights responsibility for care, protection, or guardianship, but can also imply possession.

exclusive owner

Highlights exclusive rights of possession and control, often in a legal or business context.

only standard-bearer

Focuses on the singular advocacy or representation of a particular cause or ideology.

singular champion

Emphasizes the unique and active support for a cause or individual.

single standard bearer

The phrase means that someone is the only proponent of a particular belief or cause.

unique proprietor

Denotes exclusive ownership, commonly within a commercial context.

FAQs

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

You can use "sole bearer" to indicate someone who is the only one responsible for something, as in, "The CEO was the "sole bearer" of the company's debt."

What are some alternatives to "sole bearer"?

Some alternatives include "only carrier", "single custodian", or "exclusive holder", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "sole bearer" formal or informal?

"Sole bearer" is generally considered a more formal phrase, suitable for professional, academic, or news-related contexts, and less appropriate for casual conversation.

What is the difference between "sole bearer" and "standard bearer"?

"Sole bearer" implies exclusive responsibility or possession, while "standard bearer" refers to someone who champions or represents a particular cause or belief.