sole source

USAGE SUMMARY

"sole source" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a single provider of goods or services that are in demand, such as "the company is the sole source of the product".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

L. 110 315, § 118(4)(A), substituted "Single-source basis" for "Sole source" in heading and "single-source" for "sole-source" in text.

Cornell University

Having a sole source of news — those days are over".

The New York Times

Fund-raisers are not the sole source of money.

The New York Times

Indeed for 30%, it is their sole source of income.

The Guardian

As mentioned above, Toyota does not sole source.

Harvard Business Review

Are cancer stem cells the sole source of tumor?

Nature

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

"It's not a sole-source solution".

The New York Times

They were also denied access to reports concerning what they delicately describe as "sole-source contracts".

The New York Times

Lockheed Martin, Boeing and Raytheon were top recipients of sole-source contracts.

The Washington Post

Sometimes this sole-source status can be established contractually or through patent protection.

Harvard Business Review

FDA has awarded sole-source grants in the past — though these are rare.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing contracts or procurement, use "sole source" to clearly indicate a non-competitive process where only one vendor is considered.

Common error

Avoid using "sole source" when simpler alternatives like "only source" or "single source" are more appropriate in general writing. Reserve "sole source" for contexts where its specific meaning is relevant, like procurement or supply chain discussions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sole source" functions as a noun adjunct, modifying another noun to indicate that something originates from or is provided by only one entity. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sole source" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that identifies a unique provider or origin. According to Ludwig AI, it sees frequent use across various contexts. The phrase is prevalent in news and media, formal business documents, and scientific literature. When writing, reserve "sole source" for situations where a non-competitive or exclusive supply is relevant and where alternatives like "only source" aren't sufficient. Remember the specific meaning and avoid overuse. Considering these points ensures clear and accurate communication when using "sole source" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exclusive provider

Emphasizes the exclusivity of the providing entity.

only supplier

Highlights the singularity in supply, useful in commercial contexts.

single origin

Focuses on the unique starting point or source.

primary contributor

Indicates the main, but not necessarily exclusive, contributor.

unique resource

Stresses the distinctiveness of the resource in question.

exclusive access

Highlights restricted or limited availability from only one place.

central fountain

Implies that everything originates and flows from this place.

chief cause

Focuses on the main reason or driver behind something.

prime mover

Highlights the entity that initiates or drives something.

exclusive domain

Highlights a specific field or area of knowledge of one provider only.

FAQs

How is "sole source" used in procurement?

In procurement, "sole source" refers to a contracting situation where only one supplier can fulfill the requirements, often leading to a non-competitive contract. This contrasts with competitive bidding where multiple suppliers vie for the contract.

What can I say instead of "sole source" when describing the origin of something?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "exclusive provider", "only supplier", or "single origin".

Which is correct, "sole source" or "single source"?

Both "sole source" and "single source" can be correct, although "sole source" is more common. Some organizations may prefer "single source" to avoid potential negative connotations associated with a lack of competition.

When is it appropriate to use a "sole source" contract?

A "sole source" contract may be appropriate when there is a unique product or service, a public emergency, or when compatibility with existing systems necessitates using a specific vendor. Justification is typically required to ensure transparency and avoid potential misuse.