sole professional

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sole professional" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is the only professional in a particular context or situation, often emphasizing exclusivity or singularity in their role. Example: "As the sole professional in the office, she was responsible for all client interactions and project management."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

T". her sole professional focus.

The New York Times - Arts

Twenty years later, her Facebook page lists "honorable discharge from the Navy" as her sole professional accomplishment.

The New Yorker

The sole professional actor, George Costigan, played Hudson as a bug-eyed cross between the Wolf of Wall Street and Toad of Toad Hall.

The Guardian

In 2010 the Saints, who were especially beloved by the people of New Orleans because of the decades they spent as the city's sole professional sports franchise, won their first Super Bowl an important symbolic step on the road to recovery from Hurricane Katrina.

Encyclopedia Britannica

While the books are full of appealing redundancies (I can't be reminded too often of Bertie's sole professional claim: "When Aunt Dahlia was running that 'Milady's Boudoir' paper of hers, I contributed to it an article, or piece as we writers call it, on What the Well-Dressed Man is Wearing"), there are far too many expedient repeats, too many hand-me-down plot devices and overlong one-liners.

The New Yorker

The youngster made his sole professional appearance as an extra-time substitute in Arsenal's third-round League Cup victory over West Brom in September.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Zypora Spaisman, matriarch of America's sole surviving professional Yiddish theater, let forth that formidable battle cry: "Hitler couldn't stop me.

The New York Times

The Canadian Football League (CFL), the sole major professional sports league in the United States and Canada to feature only teams from Canada, has made efforts to gain further audience in the United States, most directly through expansion into the country from 1993 to 1995.

Wikipedia

The highest number was by the sole healthcare professional at the private clinic without microscopy.

British Medical Journal

Professional mechanical plaque removal as the sole element of professional preventive care is inappropriate since education and behavior change are fundamental to sustained improvements in health status.

Evidence-Based Endodontics

Mr. Van Rompuy encouraged legislators to consider the "sole criteria of professional qualification and experience" in the case of Mr. Mersch.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sole professional" to emphasize that there is only one person fulfilling a particular professional role within a specific context. This highlights their unique position and responsibilities.

Common error

Avoid using "sole professional" when describing roles that inherently involve collaboration or teamwork. It's more appropriate for situations where an individual operates independently or holds exclusive responsibility for a task or area.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sole professional" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, denoting that the individual is the only professional in a given context. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct. Examples show its use across various domains.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sole professional" is used to emphasize that an individual is the only person with a specific professional role or expertise in a particular context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in various settings. While not extremely common, it is found across domains such as news, science and encyclopedias. For situations where other similar, but more specific, terms apply, alternatives like "sole practitioner" may be more appropriate. When using "sole professional", ensure it accurately reflects the individual's exclusive responsibility and lack of direct peers, avoiding its misuse in collaborative or team-based environments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

only professional

Replaces "sole" with "only", indicating the absence of other professionals.

sole practitioner

Similar to "sole professional", but more specific to fields like law or medicine.

single professional

Uses "single" to emphasize the individual nature of the professional.

exclusive professional

Highlights the exclusivity of the professional's role.

primary professional

Emphasizes that the person is the main professional in a specific area.

unique professional

Emphasizes the distinctiveness of the professional's skills or position.

principal professional

Highlights the seniority and primary nature of the professional's role.

lone professional

Suggests the professional works in isolation or without peers.

distinct professional

Suggests the professional is easily distinguishable from others.

chief professional

Indicates a professional in a leadership or executive role, being the only one.

FAQs

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

You can use "sole professional" to describe someone who is the only person with a specific expertise or role in a particular setting. For example: "She was the "sole professional" responsible for the project's success."

What are some alternatives to "sole professional"?

Alternatives include "only professional", "single professional", or "exclusive professional", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "sole professional" in a formal setting?

Yes, "sole professional" is appropriate for formal settings. It clearly and directly communicates that someone is the only professional fulfilling a certain role.

What's the difference between "sole professional" and "sole practitioner"?

"Sole professional" is a general term indicating the only professional in a context. "Sole practitioner" typically refers to someone who independently operates a business or practice, like a lawyer or doctor.