sole moment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sole moment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a unique or singular instance in time that holds particular significance. Example: "In that sole moment, everything changed for her, and she knew she had to take a leap of faith."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

That, really, is the sole moment of narrative interest: a knotty storyline reversal.

The Guardian - Film

The evening's sole moment of levity came when the male twin shirked his destiny to attend a festival.

The New York Times - Arts

This is the sole moment where realism is ruptured fully, and something elemental bursts through the film's compartmentalised floorplan.

The Guardian - Film

It's a sole moment of clarity in "The Lucy Poems," and it suggests that Ms. Lohse is capable of more.

The New York Times - Arts

"I wasn't used to having moral dilemmas," he says in a sole moment of introspection -- as the captain fears, Isaac never gets his philosophy.

The New York Times - Books

Here is the book's sole moment of philosophical reflection, a conversation between its hundred-and-eighty-three-year-old heroine, Mary Sperling, and its two-hundred-and-thirteen-year-old hero, Lazarus Long: There was silence.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Likewise, film essayist Dennis Fischer said Allen's stop motion animation provides the film's "sole moments of interest", and Cinefex publisher Don Shay called it the film's "only viable selling points".

Wikipedia

His almost only sole dance moment came when he made a slow turn with leg extended in arabesque.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Downey either can't, or doesn't, do much with Peter, who, as written by Mr. Phillips and three others, remains an off-putting, hollow man — a presumably unintentional lack of character development that represents the movie's sole honest moment.

The New York Times

For the Dolphins, the fact London-born Ajayi conjured up their sole early winning moment was significant.

The Guardian - Sport

James Franco delivered the evening's sole Man Cave moment, as he stood next to Tommy Wiseau, whom he plays in "The Disaster Artist," and read a speech off his phone in which he aspirationally compared himself and Dave Franco to the Coen brothers.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sole moment", consider the emotional weight you want to convey. It often implies a turning point or a significant occurrence.

Common error

Avoid using "sole moment" to describe trivial or insignificant events. This diminishes the impact of the phrase and can confuse readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sole moment" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It designates a specific point in time that is unique or significant, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Arts

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sole moment" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to emphasize the uniqueness and significance of a particular point in time. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While its register is generally neutral, the impact of the phrase is best reserved for genuinely noteworthy occurrences. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media contexts. When considering alternatives, such as "unique instance" or "singular occasion", prioritize the specific nuance you aim to convey. Avoiding overuse and misapplication of "sole moment" will ensure its effectiveness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unique instance

Emphasizes the singularity and distinctiveness of the event, focusing on its one-of-a-kind nature.

one-off event

Implies the event is a singular instance and won't be repeated, emphasizing its uniqueness.

singular occasion

Highlights the rarity and special nature of the event, suggesting it doesn't happen often.

exceptional circumstance

Highlights the unusual and noteworthy nature of the situation, suggesting it's out of the ordinary.

distinct episode

Focuses on the clarity and definition of the event, emphasizing its separateness from others.

unparalleled event

Stresses the unmatched quality and impact of the event, implying it's superior to others.

rare occurrence

Underscores the infrequency and unusual nature of the event, implying it's uncommon.

uncommon situation

Highlights the infrequency and atypical nature of the event, suggesting it's not often encountered.

isolated case

Suggests the event is detached and not part of a larger pattern, focusing on its separateness.

single point in time

Focuses on the specific timing of the event, emphasizing its occurrence at a particular moment.

FAQs

What does "sole moment" mean?

"Sole moment" refers to a single, unique instance or occasion that is particularly significant or noteworthy.

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

You might say, "That was the "sole moment" of clarity in the entire debate."

What are some alternatives to "sole moment"?

Consider using phrases like "unique instance", "singular occasion", or "unparalleled event" depending on the context.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "sole moment"?

While grammatically correct, "sole moment" is best reserved for events that genuinely stand out. Overusing it can dilute its impact. Consider using a less emphatic phrase like "single instance" for more common occurrences.