sole pleasure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sole pleasure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is the only source of enjoyment or satisfaction for someone. Example: "Reading her favorite novels was her sole pleasure during the long winter months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Honest sports writers fear the accusation that they are joyless puritan nags whose sole pleasure is ruining the pleasure of others.

The Guardian - Opinion

At first, sitting beside the vast, open-plan kitchens, the sole pleasure was watching the chefs at work and apparently having an even worse time than we were.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As for the sultans, for whose sole pleasure the entire palace existed, their portraits reveal them as terminally bored, utterly played out before their time.

The Guardian - Travel

The adorable Keri Russell, as the unfortunate target of Skeeter's passive-aggressive affections, is the movie's soft center and sole pleasure: a locus of calm in a sea of turmoil.

The New York Times

The "cunning peasant" of the title is actually Victoria, Gabriel's busybody housekeeper, whose sole pleasure is secretly running the lives of others; Medcalf is good on women paying men back at their own emotional games.

The Guardian - Music

It "was in truth the sole pleasure, the sole objective of human existence, and all other pleasures — whether associated with rich food, tobacco, alcohol or drugs — were only derisory and desperate compensations, mini-suicides that did not have the courage to speak their name, attempts to speed up the destruction of a body that no longer had access to the one real pleasure".

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

God willing, Vinyl will be my sole guilty pleasure.

Vice

Jane was her "sole delight", and although aware from the start that her own affection was stronger than Jane's, she nonetheless felt for a time that she lived "to all good & pleasure only thro' her".

The Guardian - Books

It's sole purpose is pleasure, yes, pleasure), the clitoral hood (a fold of skin that protects the clitoris), the labia minora and majora (the folds of skin at the sides of the vaginal opening), the urethral opening (the entrance into the tube that connects to the bladder) and the vaginal opening.

Huffington Post

Their sole redemption, erotic pleasure — which Antonioni shows in precisely structured and carefully imagined sex scenes that are, surprisingly, both technical and impassioned — brings with it another batch of self-defeating complications.

The New Yorker

And when it comes to any conversation about women's sexuality, the clitoris -- the only organ on the human body whose sole purpose is pleasure -- is often the elephant in the room.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone and context when using "sole pleasure". It can sometimes imply a limited or even slightly sad situation if someone's only enjoyment comes from one thing.

Common error

Avoid using "sole pleasure" too frequently in your writing. While grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive or monotonous. Vary your vocabulary by using alternatives like "only delight" or "exclusive joy" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sole pleasure" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English, suggesting its proper function within sentence structures. The examples provided by Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sole pleasure" is a grammatically sound phrase that expresses the idea of something being the only source of enjoyment or satisfaction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. While not exceedingly common, its usage is found across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When using this phrase, consider the nuance it conveys and ensure it aligns with your intended meaning, exploring alternatives to prevent overuse. Remember, according to Ludwig, the phrase's primary function is to highlight a unique source of joy or gratification.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

only delight

Emphasizes the positive emotion associated with the source of pleasure; uses "delight" instead of "pleasure".

exclusive joy

Highlights the uniqueness and special nature of the joy experienced; uses "joy" instead of "pleasure".

singular source of happiness

Replaces "pleasure" with the more general term "happiness", focusing on overall well-being.

main source of gratification

Uses "gratification" to emphasize a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.

chief enjoyment

Highlights the primary nature of the enjoyment derived from something.

primary amusement

Focuses on the fun and entertainment aspect of pleasure; uses "amusement" instead.

greatest satisfaction

Emphasizes the high degree of satisfaction derived.

ultimate indulgence

Conveys a sense of luxury and pampering.

purest joy

Highlights the innocence and unadulterated nature of the joy.

supreme contentment

Focuses on a feeling of deep satisfaction and peace.

FAQs

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

The phrase "sole pleasure" is used to describe something that is the only source of enjoyment or satisfaction for someone. For example, "For him, reading was his "sole pleasure" after a long day of work."

What can I say instead of "sole pleasure"?

You can use alternatives like "only delight", "exclusive joy", or "singular source of happiness" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "sole pleasure" in formal writing?

Yes, "sole pleasure" is appropriate for formal writing. It is grammatically correct and conveys a clear meaning. However, consider whether a more nuanced term might be more suitable depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "sole pleasure" and "guilty pleasure"?

"Sole pleasure" refers to something that is someone's only source of enjoyment. "Guilty pleasure", on the other hand, refers to something someone enjoys despite feeling that it is not something they should enjoy, often because it's considered lowbrow or unhealthy.