sole domain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sole domain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an area or field that is exclusively controlled or owned by a particular person or entity. Example: "The research findings indicate that this species is the sole domain of the Amazon rainforest, highlighting its unique ecological significance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ink has never been the sole domain of prisoners, sailors or soldiers.

The Guardian - Opinion

For individuals, the opportunities and benefits the new economy offers must not be the sole domain of elite knowledge workers.

The Guardian

"Tax cutting is not the sole domain of the Republican Party," said Richard McGrath, the senator's spokesman.

The New York Times

Serious American book publishing is no longer the sole domain of Random House and other major trade houses.

The New York Times

Even fields that were once the sole domain of humanities majors, like advertising, are hunting for technologists today.

MIT Technology Review

These days, people write books and make films about how the mid-90s were the sole domain of guitar-fuelled Britpop.

The Guardian - Music

For a sport supposedly, if erroneously, the sole domain of gin drinkers and those with mild manners, its recent propensity to mingle with controversy has been quite staggering.

The Guardian - Sport

The launch of the Tag Heuer Connected shows smartwatches are no longer the sole domain of technology companies such as Apple, Google and Samsung.

The Guardian - Tech

Theatre doesn't have to be about scale, but it must be allowed to be sometimes: otherwise, spectacle will become the sole domain of commercial musicals.

The Guardian

No longer the sole domain of Moschino, this beguiling shape can be found this winter in a variety of accessories and sportswear.

The New York Times - Style

She simply doesn't fit in the controlling narrative, endorsed by both the secular left and the religious right, that relegates religion be the sole domain of social conservatism.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sole domain" when you want to emphasize that something is exclusively controlled or possessed by a particular entity, especially when that control is being challenged or was previously uncontested.

Common error

Avoid using "sole domain" in casual conversation or informal writing; simpler terms like "only area" or "exclusive right" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sole domain" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its use to indicate exclusive control or ownership, as seen in the examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

22%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sole domain" is a noun phrase commonly used to denote exclusive control, ownership, or influence over a particular area or concept. It is grammatically correct and widely used, as confirmed by Ludwig, primarily in news, academic, and scientific contexts. When using "sole domain", ensure it fits the formality level of your writing, avoiding overuse in informal situations. Consider alternatives like "exclusive territory" or "only realm" for variety. Ludwig AI confirms its wide applicability and proper usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exclusive territory

Emphasizes the geographical aspect of control or ownership.

only realm

Highlights the sphere of influence or activity that is uniquely held.

exclusive province

Implies a specific area of expertise or responsibility that is exclusively assigned.

private reserve

Suggests something being held back for a single user or group of users

sole jurisdiction

Focuses on the legal authority or power to govern a particular area or issue.

monopoly

Highlights the exclusive control of a market or industry.

unique preserve

Emphasizes the protection and exclusive maintenance of something.

personal fiefdom

Suggests a more personal and potentially autocratic control.

singular authority

Stresses the unique and unchallenged power or right to decide.

absolute dominion

Conveys a sense of complete and unrestricted control.

FAQs

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

You can use "sole domain" to indicate that something is exclusively controlled or owned by someone. For example, "This technology was once the "sole domain" of large corporations, but now it's accessible to individuals."

What are some alternatives to "sole domain"?

Some alternatives to "sole domain" include "exclusive territory", "only realm", or "exclusive province", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "sole domain"?

It's appropriate to use "sole domain" in formal or academic writing when you want to emphasize exclusive control or ownership. It may also be used in news articles and other forms of journalism to describe a shifting landscape of control.

What's the difference between "sole domain" and "exclusive right"?

"Sole domain" typically refers to a broader area of control or influence, while "exclusive right" often refers to a specific legal or contractual privilege. "The "sole domain" of the king" implies broader power, while "exclusive right" to the patent means only he can profit from the invention.