sole editor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sole editor" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use "sole editor" when talking about someone who is the only person responsible for editing a particular piece of writing or publication. Example: As the sole editor of the newspaper, Sarah had the final say on which articles would be published each day.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

"Eventually, N.S.A. became the sole editor".

The New York Times

He now becomes the Review's sole editor.

The Economist

"Eventually, N.S.A. became the sole editor," the memo says.

The New York Times

"Eventually, NSA became the sole editor," the document states.

The Guardian

In 1868 Dawson became half-owner and sole editor in chief of the News and Courier.

The New York Times

His wife became the sole editor and publisher, and kept up the newspaper's crusading efforts.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

The other two editors left after four more episodes, with Snodgrass remaining as the sole story editor for the rest of the season.

Wikipedia

In 1778 Nichols became part manager of the Gentleman's Magazine and in 1792 sole managing editor.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Geddes' departure leaves Dean Baquet as the paper's sole managing editor.

Huffington Post

Shipley now becomes the sole executive editor and there are no plans to hire a replacement for Rubin.

Huffington Post

Sanger came up with the name "Wikipedia," wrote its founding documents, and spent the next 14 months as the site's sole paid editor and philosophical leader.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sole editor", ensure it's clear what publication or project the person is the sole editor of. Provide context to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Be aware that even as the "sole editor", the editor might still be subject to publisher directives or legal constraints. The phrase doesn't automatically mean they have absolute power.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sole editor" functions as a noun phrase that identifies an individual as the only person responsible for the editorial content of a publication or project. Ludwig's examples confirm this usage across various sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sole editor" is a grammatically correct and commonly used term to describe an individual who has exclusive responsibility for the editorial content of a publication. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase appears frequently in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Academia contexts, indicating its widespread acceptance across different registers. When using "sole editor", ensure clarity by specifying the publication or project involved. While the term implies significant control, remember that the "sole editor" may still be subject to external constraints. Related phrases include "exclusive editor", "lead editor", and "chief editor", offering nuanced alternatives depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

only editor

A direct and straightforward alternative emphasizing the lack of other editors.

single editor

Highlights the singular nature of the editor's role.

exclusive editor

Emphasizes the exclusivity of the role, suggesting no other editors are involved.

lead editor

Highlights the leadership aspect of being the only editor.

chief editor

Focuses on the hierarchical position of the editor in charge.

principal editor

Stresses the primary responsibility held by the editor.

sole editorial authority

Emphasizes the power and decision-making aspect of being the only editor.

independent editor

Highlights the autonomy and freedom from external influence.

managing editor

Describes the role in terms of managing all aspects of the publication.

editor-in-chief

Identifies the editor as the top-ranking person responsible for the entire publication.

FAQs

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

You can use "sole editor" to describe someone who is the only person responsible for editing a publication. For example, "She was the "sole editor" of the literary magazine for ten years."

What is a good substitute for "sole editor"?

Alternatives include "chief editor", "lead editor", or "principal editor" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it acceptable to use "sole editor" in formal writing?

Yes, "sole editor" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in contexts like academic papers, news articles, and professional reports.

What does being the "sole editor" imply about a person's responsibilities?

Being the "sole editor" typically implies that the person has complete editorial control and responsibility for all aspects of the publication, from content selection to final approval, but they might still be constrained by legal considerations or publisher directives.