sole focus

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sole focus" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is the only or primary area of attention or concentration. Example: "Our sole focus this quarter is to improve customer satisfaction and retention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But legacy is hardly the sole focus.

The New York Times - Sports

"That was their sole focus".

The New Yorker

That is our sole focus".

The Guardian - Sport

For now, music will be its sole focus, too.

The Guardian - Tech

Diet was not the sole focus of his winter.

The New York Times - Sports

Old movies are not the sole focus of his obsession.

The New York Times

However, government is not the sole focus of the review.

The Guardian - Opinion

Simply keeping the boy alive became the doctor's sole focus.

The New York Times

But he isn't the sole focus of the brothers' work.

Independent

Swimming, though, is not the 21-year-old's sole focus.

The New York Times - Sports

But he will hardly be the sole focus of attention.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sole focus", ensure it accurately reflects that no other areas are receiving significant attention. Overusing it can diminish its impact, so reserve it for situations where exclusivity is genuinely the case.

Common error

Avoid using "sole focus" when multiple areas receive attention. If other factors are considered, even minimally, opt for phrases like "primary focus" or "main emphasis" to maintain accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sole focus" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object of a preposition. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used. It identifies the single, most important aspect or goal in a given situation, as exemplified by the sentences provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

16%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sole focus" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that functions as a noun phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it is used to emphasize the singularity and importance of a particular objective or area of concentration across various contexts, especially in News & Media and Science. While alternatives like "primary focus" and "exclusive focus" exist, "sole focus" distinctly conveys that no other areas are receiving significant attention. When writing, reserve "sole focus" for situations where exclusivity is genuinely the case to maintain accuracy and impact. The phrase sees consistent use across authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. Its straightforward meaning makes it a versatile tool for clarifying priorities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary focus

Emphasizes the main, but not necessarily exclusive, area of attention.

exclusive focus

Highlights the exclusion of other areas of attention, making it more restrictive.

main emphasis

Indicates the principal point of stress or importance.

chief concern

Suggests the most significant worry or matter of importance.

central point

Refers to the core or most important element.

single priority

Highlights that only one thing is being given precedence.

prime objective

Indicates the main goal or aim to be achieved.

dominant theme

Suggests a recurring and prevailing subject or idea.

principal aim

Indicates the primary goal or intention.

utmost priority

Emphasizes that something is the most important thing.

FAQs

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

You can use "sole focus" to emphasize that something is the only thing being concentrated on. For example, "His "sole focus" was completing the project on time."

What are some alternatives to "sole focus"?

Alternatives include "primary focus", "exclusive focus", or "main emphasis". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the only focus" instead of "sole focus"?

While "the only focus" is understandable, ""sole focus"" is more concise and commonly used, especially in formal writing.

What's the difference between "sole focus" and "primary focus"?

"Sole focus" implies that something is the only thing being focused on, while ""primary focus"" suggests it's the most important, but not necessarily the only thing being focused on.