sole figure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sole figure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a single person or entity that is the only representative or example of something. Example: "In the financial report, the CEO was the sole figure responsible for the company's success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Normally, the sleep-deprived Gruden is the sole figure stirring around the building.

The New York Times - Sports

Earlier, a sole figure, shoulder raised, sets the theme of dislocation in the choreography.

The New York Times

Kravchuk had become the sole figure in political life, though Kuchma remained popular.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The series isn't just losing its main judge, or its second-largest cleavage – it's losing its sole figure of authority.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He "wept silently behind his hands, sitting in this unknown place", the sole figure in the vastness of the dining room.

The Guardian - Books

Composed of 30 representatives, it is led by Mustafa Abdel-Jalil, a former justice minister and perhaps the sole figure who enjoys national support.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

A campaign begun in February called Put Her on the Map aims to "encourage cities and corporations to put women on the map by naming streets, statues and buildings after influential female figures". In Manchester, England, where Queen Victoria is the sole female figure out of 17 statues, the Womanchester Statue Project has been gathering funds for a statue of the suffragist Emmeline Pankhurst.

The New York Times

Albert II might be regularly credited as the sole national figure holding Belgium together.

The Guardian

The sole senior figure to meet Mr. Hussein since then was the secretary general of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, in 1998.

The New York Times

Given to bursts of harsh laughter, El Grande proves to be the film's sole shadowy figure, a man whose aggressiveness hides some uglier truths.

The New York Times

Ross is not the sole powerful figure in Christian P.R., but only Mark DeMoss, who worked with Jerry Falwell for eight years before starting the DeMoss Group in Atlanta in 1991, enjoys comparable status.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sole figure", ensure the context clearly indicates that there are no other individuals or entities sharing the described role or characteristic. The phrase works best when emphasizing uniqueness or exclusivity.

Common error

Avoid using "sole figure" if there's a possibility of shared responsibility or influence. Using it in contexts where others contribute can dilute the impact and accuracy of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sole figure" functions primarily as a noun phrase that modifies another noun, often indicating a person or entity that is unique or singular in a specific context. Ludwig shows this usage across different domains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sole figure" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase that signifies uniqueness or exclusivity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correctly used across multiple contexts to emphasize the singularity of an individual or entity. It is most frequently found in news and media, as well as scientific publications, and its formal register makes it suitable for professional and academic writing. When using the phrase, ensure it is contextually accurate to avoid overstating the exclusivity, and consider alternatives like "only individual" or "unique person" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

only individual

Emphasizes the singularity of a person.

unique person

Highlights the distinctiveness of an individual.

single entity

Focuses on the singularity of an organization or object.

lone representative

Stresses the absence of other representatives.

sole agent

Highlights the unique agency or action of one actor.

exclusive figure

Emphasizes the singular and excluding nature of an individual.

singular presence

Highlights the unmatched existence or impact of somebody/something.

primary player

Shifts the focus to the main actor instead of sole.

chief actor

Stresses the leading role, not necessarily exclusive.

dominant character

Highlights prominence rather than exclusivity.

FAQs

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

The phrase "sole figure" is used to describe someone or something that is the only one of its kind or holds a unique position. For instance, "The CEO was the sole figure responsible for the company's success this year."

What are some alternatives to using "sole figure"?

You can use alternatives like "only individual", "unique person", or "single entity" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "sole figure" in formal writing?

Yes, "sole figure" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when emphasizing the unique role or position of an individual or entity. However, ensure the context truly warrants its use to avoid overstatement.

What's the difference between "sole figure" and "leading figure"?

"Sole figure" implies exclusivity and uniqueness, while "leading figure" simply suggests someone is prominent or influential, not necessarily the only one. They are not interchangeable.