sole solution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sole solution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that there is only one answer or method to solve a particular problem or situation. Example: "After extensive research, we concluded that the sole solution to the issue is to implement a new software system."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

"Is the sole solution creating more shelters?

The Guardian

He has, however, said that he doesn't believe that that's the sole solution.

The New York Times

We do not believe, however, that new physician creation is the sole solution to the coming health care shortage.

The New York Times

The conviction that integration was the sole solution came after she persuaded a Bulgarian colleague to enroll her grandson at the Gypsy school.

The New York Times

But "struggle" would at least have acknowledged that warfare is not the sole solution, and "violent extremism" would have recognized a motive behind the method.

The New Yorker

They spoke of government spending as if it were the sole cause of the federal budget deficit and cutting it the sole solution.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Dr. Noormal knows that the measures the Directorate has taken are not the sole solutions to Afghanistan's health problems.

Human Resources for Health

The sole "doctrinal" solution offered in the encyclopedia seems that a ruler with ascetic tendencies can legitimately take the place of the imâm.

SEP

The interfacial tension eventually reached a constant value greater than the one obtained by the sole surfactant solution of the same concentration.

International Nano Letters

Ashley is not the sole possible solution, though, since Dave King and investors aligned with the former Rangers director want to invest in RIFC in return for a controlling stake.

BBC

Because the search is exhaustive and no sole deterministic solution is available for an unbalanced multiple dimensional pooling design, this is an exhaustive search or brute force algorithm for an optimization problem [ 10, 11].

BMC Genomics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sole solution", ensure that you're not overstating the case. Acknowledge potential limitations or complementary approaches if applicable. For example: "While innovation is vital, it is not the "sole solution"; a multifaceted approach is needed."

Common error

Avoid presenting a "sole solution" without considering potential drawbacks or alternative viewpoints. Overstating its effectiveness can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sole solution" primarily functions as a noun phrase that identifies a particular remedy or course of action as the only means to resolve a specific problem. Ludwig AI confirms the correct usage and meaning of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sole solution" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate the only effective way to address a problem. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and can be widely applied. While predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, be mindful of overstating its exclusivity and ensure it aligns with the surrounding context. Alternatives such as "only solution" or "single solution" can provide similar emphasis while avoiding redundancy. Always consider complementary approaches, if any, to maintain credibility and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

only solution

Replaces "sole" with "only", maintaining the same meaning of exclusivity.

single solution

Substitutes "sole" with "single", emphasizing that there is just one solution.

exclusive solution

Uses "exclusive" to highlight that no other solution is available or applicable.

definitive answer

Replaces "solution" with "answer", focusing on a conclusive resolution.

primary solution

Indicates that the mentioned solution is the most important or effective one.

chief remedy

Substitutes both words, emphasizing the main corrective measure.

only recourse

Highlights that there is no alternative action other than the one stated.

one and only answer

Emphasizes uniqueness and exclusivity of the answer.

ultimate fix

Implies the final and most effective resolution.

panacea

Implies a remedy for all ills or difficulties.

FAQs

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

You can use "sole solution" to indicate that there is only one way to resolve a problem. For example, "Many believe that technology is the "sole solution" to climate change, but behavior modification is also critical."

What are some alternatives to "sole solution"?

Alternatives include "only solution", "single solution", or "exclusive solution", all of which convey the idea that there is one primary or unique way to address an issue.

Is it correct to use "sole solution" in formal writing?

Yes, "sole solution" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when you want to emphasize that a particular approach is the only or most effective one. However, consider the context to see if alternatives like "primary solution" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "sole solution" and "a solution"?

"Sole solution" implies that only one solution exists or is effective, whereas "a solution" indicates that it is one of many possibilities. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize exclusivity or simply present one option among several.