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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
sole contributor
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
'sole contributor' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to one person specifically who is the only person contributing to something, such as a task or project. For example, "John was the sole contributor to the report."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Wiki
Encyclopedias
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
56 human-written examples
The foundation said he was the sole contributor to the fund.
News & Media
Soda may be a contributor to obesity, but it's not the sole contributor".
News & Media
PE is obviously not the sole contributor to these skills, but it is definitely something that can bring all of those qualities out".
News & Media
Green was the publisher of, and sole contributor to, a literary periodical called "newspaper" (the aversion to capital letters is carried over into the text itself).
News & Media
Kromer, outed once in conversation as a novice writer, was deputized as the editor of Sex Machines' newsletter, as well as its sole contributor and reviewer of new materials.
News & Media
Even though BP is the fund's sole contributor so far, it may still be in its interest that the other companies linked to the spill be protected from claims because they could in turn try to sue BP for payment, said Richard Nagareda, a mass torts expert and law professor at Vanderbilt University.
News & Media
KM Nowotny is the sole contributor to this manuscript.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
4 human-written examples
The Thünen, Weber, Alonso, and Christaller models are not the sole contributors to location theory, but they are its foundation.
Encyclopedias
Forward rate constants and species thermochemistry are assumed to be the sole contributors to uncertainty in the reaction model with all other model parameters and inputs treated as deterministic quantities.
Science
Thus, domain interaction and a cis-proline residue between the two domains are ruled out as the sole contributors to heterogeneity during the earliest folding dynamics of the C-terminal domain.
Science
"So we, too, as Africans, want to get to a state of development, and in getting to that state of development, we would not want to be the sole contributors to mitigating what we haven't caused.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Consider alternative phrasings if you need to convey a slightly different nuance, such as "primary architect" if focusing on design leadership, or "only source" if emphasizing origin.
Common error
Avoid using "sole contributor" if multiple individuals or factors contributed to the outcome. Ensure you're accurately representing the level of individual contribution to avoid misleading your audience.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "sole contributor" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to identify an individual or entity that is exclusively responsible for providing or creating something. It emphasizes the singularity of the contribution. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.
Frequent in
Science
44%
News & Media
33%
Wiki
4%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
2%
Formal & Business
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "sole contributor" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to emphasize that only one entity is responsible for a specific contribution. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability. Analysis of various sources reveals its presence across domains like Science, News & Media and Wiki, emphasizing its applicability in both formal and informal settings. When writing, ensure that only one entity can truly be considered as the "sole contributor" to avoid misattribution. Consider alternative phrasings if you want to convey a different level of nuance or specific responsibility.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
only source
Focuses on the origin or supply rather than the act of contributing.
single author
Implies individual creation, specifically in writing or artistic works.
exclusive provider
Highlights the singular nature of providing something, often a service or resource.
primary architect
Emphasizes the leading role in designing or constructing something.
chief designer
Focuses on the design aspect and leadership in a project.
lead developer
Signifies the main person responsible for development, especially in software.
principal investigator
Designates the lead researcher in a study or project.
main instigator
Highlights the person who initiated or started something.
lone wolf
Implies working alone without collaboration, emphasizing independence.
independent entity
Highlights the singularity and autonomy of an entity.
FAQs
How can I use "sole contributor" in a sentence?
You can use "sole contributor" to indicate that only one person or entity was responsible for something. For example, "She was the sole contributor to the project's success."
What are some alternatives to "sole contributor"?
Alternatives to "sole contributor" include "only source", "single author", or "exclusive provider", depending on the specific context.
Is it correct to say "the only contributor" instead of "sole contributor"?
Both "the only contributor" and "sole contributor" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably in many contexts. "Sole contributor" often carries a slightly stronger emphasis on the uniqueness of the contribution.
What is the difference between "sole contributor" and "main contributor"?
"Sole contributor" means that only one person contributed. "Main contributor" implies there were other contributors, but one person's contribution was the most significant.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested