sole idea

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sole idea" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that there is only one idea or concept being referred to, often in discussions or arguments. Example: "The sole idea behind this project is to improve community engagement through technology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Orff said that there is a need to shift the resilience conversation away from the sole idea of protection.

Columbia University

Whereas the two snipers' sole idea seemed to be collecting a $10 million cease-and-desist fee, Mr. Rudolph phoned in warnings of the Olympic bomb.

The New York Times

Kansas City placed the franchise tag on Ford with the sole idea of trading the former first-round pick.

Forbes

A document from 25 March contains her note that joining the uprising was her sole idea, and that she had hoped that such a moment would come her entire life.

Wikipedia

Beyond that, it sounded like the governor's sole idea was to muck up the Pacific Coast's largest estuary, the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, by boring two humongous, multibillion-dollar tunnels under it to siphon away fresh water.

Los Angeles Times

In a world of often cynical education, reduced budgets and restricted approaches to learning, where innovation in education is kept at arm's length by lotteries and districting, Dr. Mitra's SOLE idea emerged out of his famous hole-in-the wall experiments.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

It will also help to explain that this isn't meant to be a complicated process – it is simply about having clarity as what the business is doing now, in three years' time, in five years' time, etc. Avoid being the sole ideas person.

WikiHow

On the anxiety front, perhaps none matched Mr. Libby's when he faced 1,500 pounds of gray sole with no idea how to fillet it.

The New York Times - Food

Indeed, Cubans endure nowadays the result of his doings as the sole person with ideas and possibility to carry them out during 46 years.

Huffington Post

When you don't know where your next meal is coming from, whether you will have a roof over your head next month, or you rely on charity for winter shoes without holes in the soles, then the idea that the rich live differently from "the rest of us" takes on less significance than the possibility of life on Mars.

Huffington Post

To confirm the idea that sole contraction of the superior oblique muscle causes attacks of superior oblique myokymia (SOM).

American Journal of Ophthalmology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sole idea" to clearly indicate that there is only one guiding principle or concept, avoiding ambiguity. For instance, "The "sole idea" behind this initiative is to promote sustainable living."

Common error

Avoid using "sole idea" when you mean 'main' or 'primary' idea if there are other contributing factors. "Sole" strictly implies there is only one, not merely the most important one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sole idea" functions as a noun phrase that specifies a singular and unique concept or guiding principle. As Ludwig AI explains, its use emphasizes the uniqueness and exclusivity of the idea.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sole idea" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that emphasizes the singularity of a concept or purpose. While not exceedingly common, as noted by Ludwig AI, it effectively conveys that there is only one guiding principle. Its usage spans across various contexts, including News & Media, Wiki, and Academia, making it a versatile phrase. To enhance clarity in writing, ensure that "sole idea" is used precisely when referring to a singular concept, avoiding its misuse as a mere synonym for 'main' or 'primary' idea. Consider alternatives like "only concept" or "single thought" to add variety to your writing while maintaining accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

only concept

Emphasizes the singularity of the concept, replacing "idea" with a more formal term.

single thought

Focuses on the singularity of the thought, highlighting the mental process.

primary notion

Replaces "idea" with "notion", indicating a basic understanding or belief.

central concept

Highlights the importance of the idea as the core element.

main purpose

Shifts the focus from the idea itself to its intended outcome or aim.

singular intention

Emphasizes the uniqueness of the intention or motive.

exclusive aim

Indicates that the aim is the only one, with no other goals involved.

unique consideration

Highlights that this idea is the only thing being taken into account.

fundamental principle

Highlights that this idea is working as a starting point, and the base of the topic.

overriding objective

Highlights that the idea is an objective that is more important than anything.

FAQs

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

Use "sole idea" to emphasize that a specific plan, project, or action has only one guiding principle or purpose. For example: The "sole idea" behind this marketing campaign is to increase brand awareness.

What are some alternatives to "sole idea"?

You can use alternatives like "only concept", "single thought", or "primary notion" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "the only sole idea"?

Yes, saying "the only sole idea" is redundant because "sole" already implies that there is only one. Stick to "the "sole idea"".

How does "sole idea" differ from "main idea"?

"Sole idea" means there is literally only one idea, while "main idea" suggests there are other ideas, but one is the most important. Use "sole idea" when singularity is crucial.