sole occupant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sole occupant" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a person who is the only individual present in a particular space or location. Example: "The apartment was small, but it was perfect for the sole occupant who preferred a minimalist lifestyle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

The driver was the sole occupant, Mr. Hale said.

The New York Times

A recent development means that actor Eddie Redmayne is now the sole occupant of this list.

Independent

I am now the sole occupant and haven't had a lease for many years.

The New York Times

He resembled not the sole occupant of Apartment 3B, but a visitor.

The New York Times

It was to be the sole occupant of a small gallery.

The New Yorker

Those factors, and a waning demand for brined goatskin, leave the city as the sole occupant under the bridge.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

The men were the sole occupants of vehicles that collided on Sutton Road in the NSW southern tablelands about 12.50pm.

The Guardian

Instead, they purchased town houses where they could be the sole occupants in some of the priciest neighborhoods in town.

The New York Times

Being the sole occupants of the 29th floor, the couple have a bird's-eye view of seemingly the entire city, along with parts of New Jersey.

The New York Times

One opinion is that Pierre et Gilles, rather than being avant-garde artists, are the sole occupants of a category of their own devising, a hermetically sealed, time-warped middle ground between high art and popular culture.

The New York Times - Arts

Also, it will probably require an agreement stating that the current owner and her family will be the sole occupants of the apartment, and that upon the owner's death, the apartment may not be occupied or transferred by anyone without the consent of the board.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In legal or formal contexts, "sole occupant" can be used to define terms of occupancy or ownership, providing a precise definition of who is authorized to use a property or space.

Common error

Avoid using "sole occupant" when you simply mean someone is alone temporarily. The phrase implies a more permanent or legally defined status of single occupancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sole occupant" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object within a sentence. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in various contexts, such as describing the only person in a building or vehicle.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

11%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sole occupant" is a common and grammatically correct term used to denote the only individual or entity occupying a particular space or role, as validated by Ludwig AI. Its usage spans diverse contexts, from describing a person living alone to defining legal terms of occupancy. The primary function of the phrase is to specify exclusivity in occupancy, and it maintains a neutral register suitable for formal and informal communication. While widely applicable, it's essential to consider its scope and avoid using it when simply referring to a temporary state of being alone. Related phrases like "only resident" and "single inhabitant" offer alternative ways to express the same concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

only resident

Replaces "occupant" with "resident", focusing on the idea of dwelling in a place.

single inhabitant

Substitutes both words with synonyms, emphasizing the act of living in a space.

lone dweller

Emphasizes the solitude of the occupant.

exclusive tenant

Highlights the exclusivity of the occupancy agreement.

individual possessor

Focuses on the concept of ownership and control of the space.

unique user

Shifts the focus to the act of using a space or resource.

unaccompanied person

Highlights the absence of other individuals.

solitary figure

Emphasizes the isolation and individuality of the person.

sole leaseholder

Specifically refers to a lease agreement with only one party.

only member

Changes the context to belonging to a group or organization.

FAQs

What does "sole occupant" mean?

The term "sole occupant" refers to the only person or entity occupying a particular space or position. It indicates that there are no other individuals sharing the space or role at the given time.

What are some synonyms for "sole occupant"?

Alternatives to "sole occupant" include "only resident", "single inhabitant", or "lone dweller". The choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

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

For example, you might say, "The apartment's "sole occupant" enjoys the quiet atmosphere" or "The lease specified that she was to be the "sole occupant" of the premises".

Is "sole occupant" a formal or informal term?

"Sole occupant" is a fairly neutral term suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its formality depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the communication.