sole intention

USAGE SUMMARY

'sole intention' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone's primary, or only, intention or goal when taking an action. For example, "My sole intention in attending the meeting was to introduce a new idea to the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The EDL is a racist, anti-Muslim organisation that is coming to Bradford with the sole intention of whipping up tensions and trying to provoke a riot.

The Guardian - Opinion

Their sole intention was to score themselves.

The Guardian - Sport

When it is done with the sole intention to offend it creates disharmony.

The Guardian - Opinion

They go in that early with the sole intention of abusing that baby once it's born".

The Guardian

I don't suppose anyone goes to drama school with the sole intention of being an understudy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Mr. Huebner and Ms. O'Neill reiterated that their sole intention for filing the appeal was to seek clarification.

The New York Times - Sports

Martin appears as a ruthless self-promoter, his sole intention to advertise the band's Greatest Hits album.

The Guardian - Music

I also constantly befriend women with the sole intention of slowly manipulating the friendship into a romantic relationship.

The New Yorker

My sole intention, along with a blind but sincere faith, is to be understood, and to understand myself.

The New Yorker

For his part Ridsdale describes himself as a "reluctant" and "transient" owner whose sole intention is to save the club.

The Guardian - Sport

The DfE said its "sole intention had been to put robust and verified figures in the public domain".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sole intention" to clearly communicate that there is only one reason or purpose behind an action. This can help to avoid ambiguity and make your writing more precise.

Common error

Avoid using "sole intention" when multiple factors genuinely contribute to a decision or action. It's more accurate to acknowledge the various influences if they exist, rather than oversimplifying the motive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sole intention" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the object of a preposition or a subject complement. It highlights the singular purpose behind an action or decision. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its usage in diverse contexts, confirming its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

17%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sole intention" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase to emphasize a single, primary purpose behind an action. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and numerous examples demonstrate its application across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's most effective when genuinely representing a singular motive, rather than oversimplifying more complex situations. Alternatives like "primary objective" or "only goal" can offer nuanced substitutes. Overall, using "sole intention" effectively requires careful consideration of the context and intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

only goal

Underscores that there are no other aims involved.

single purpose

Highlights the focused and undiluted nature of the aim.

main purpose

Highlights the key reason for doing something.

exclusive aim

Similar to 'only goal', suggesting no other concurrent intentions.

primary objective

Emphasizes the main goal, somewhat downplaying secondary aims.

central focus

Indicates that everything is directed towards this particular aim.

chief aim

Stresses the principal goal or target.

overriding objective

Suggests that the goal takes precedence over all others.

principal motive

Focuses on the main driving force or reason.

prime directive

Borrowing from a formal, almost bureaucratic tone to signal importance.

FAQs

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

You can use "sole intention" to emphasize that someone has only one reason for doing something. For instance, "His "sole intention" was to help others."

What are some alternatives to "sole intention"?

Alternatives include "primary objective", "main purpose", or "only goal". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "sole intention"?

Yes, it would be misleading to use "sole intention" if someone has multiple reasons for their actions. Ensure the context truly reflects a single, overriding purpose.

What's the difference between "sole intention" and "main intention"?

"Sole intention" indicates there's only one reason, while "main intention" suggests it is the most important, but other intentions might also be present.