sole goal

USAGE SUMMARY

'sole goal' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It's meaning is the only aim or purpose. You could use this phrase in a sentence like: "The sole goal of this project is to reduce our carbon footprint."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Its sole goal is to force productivity.

The New York Times

Artem Anisimov scored Columbus' sole goal.

The Guardian - Sport

"My sole goal was to bring people back downtown".

The New York Times

Despite the multiple hats, there is one sole goal.

The New York Times

Preschool's sole goal then was readiness for school.

The New York Times

"Robbery is no longer their sole goal," Mr. Willett said.

The New York Times

Steven Gerrard scored England's sole goal, but has been a shadowy presence since then.

The New Yorker

The sole goal of punishment is to prevent or deter future wrongdoing.

Yale University

This view of the corporation rejects shareholder primacy as the corporation's sole goal.

Columbia University

Dustin Brown scored the sole goal on a long rebound with 13 30 to play.

The Guardian - Sport

There are cultural differences, they don't always see profit maximization as the sole goal..

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sole goal", ensure it accurately reflects the single, overriding objective to avoid ambiguity. Be clear about what the primary aim is.

Common error

Avoid using "sole goal" when multiple objectives are equally important; use phrases like "key goals" or "primary objectives" instead to reflect the multifaceted nature of the aims.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sole goal" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or an appositive, defining or renaming another noun. Examples from Ludwig show it clarifying the purpose of actions or entities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

26%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sole goal" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase that effectively conveys the singular and primary objective in various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Predominantly featured in news, academic and scientific domains, this phrase maintains a neutral register making it versatile for both formal and informal communication. To enhance clarity in writing, it's essential to accurately reflect the single, overriding objective when using "sole goal", and to avoid it when multiple objectives hold equal importance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

only aim

Directly replaces "sole goal" with a synonym, maintaining the same emphasis on a single objective.

single purpose

Emphasizes the singular nature of the aim, echoing the exclusivity in "sole goal".

chief objective

Highlights the most important objective, akin to "sole goal" in its focus.

primary objective

Emphasizes the main aim, similar to "sole goal" but uses more formal language.

main purpose

Highlights the core reason or intention, closely aligning with the meaning of "sole goal".

prime objective

Similar to "sole goal" but conveys a sense of priority and importance.

principal aim

Similar to "sole goal" but suggests a formal or structured context.

key objective

Focuses on the essential nature of the objective, sharing a sense of importance with "sole goal".

major objective

Highlights the significance of the objective, while "sole goal" emphasizes exclusivity.

ultimate goal

Focuses on the final, overarching aim, similar to "sole goal" but potentially more long-term.

FAQs

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

You can use "sole goal" to emphasize the most important aim or objective. For example, "The "sole goal" of the project is to reduce carbon emissions".

What are some alternatives to "sole goal"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "primary objective", "main purpose", or "only aim" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "sole goal" in formal writing?

Yes, "sole goal" is appropriate for formal writing. It clearly and directly expresses the single, most important objective.

What is the difference between "sole goal" and "main goal"?

"Sole goal" implies that there is only one objective, while "main goal" suggests that it's the most important among several objectives. Therefore, "sole goal" is more restrictive than "main goal".