sole use

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sole use" is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used to refer to something that is exclusively used or intended for an individual or group. For example, "This property is for the sole use of the tenants."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Despite its usefulness, the sole use of this approach has numerous shortcomings [ 1].

BMC Oral Health

Aides said it was for Blair's sole use.

The Guardian

And as such, can either be kept for their sole use or pimped.

Independent

Having sole use of a dedicated telescope would make new kinds of research possible, too.

The Economist

He states: "The solution to me lay in neither the sole use of hard power nor the sole use of soft power but in the combination of the two".

The Guardian - Opinion

The mechanic had picked the Steyr 220 – the fastest car in Auschwitz, there for the sole use of the commandant.

The Guardian

Pesticides are on a short list of manmade creations the sole use of which is to kill.

The New York Times

The department bars exports whose sole use is law enforcement, like equipment for detecting fingerprints at crime scenes.

The New York Times

The developer wants to modernise the house and bring it up to date for his sole use".

The Guardian

It has a licensing deal with Nokia giving it sole use of the brand on mobile phones and tablets for the next decade.

The Guardian - Tech

Ocado also announced its third warehouse - or "customer fulfilment centre" - which will be smaller than the first two and for Ocado's sole use.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing exclusivity, ensure that the context clearly defines who or what the ""sole use"" is intended for. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using ""sole use"" when the item or service is technically shared or has potential for multiple users. Using ""sole use"" implies no other party has access.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sole use" functions primarily as a determiner phrase modifying a noun, indicating that the noun is exclusively for one purpose or individual. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound. Ludwig examples show different contexts like "sole use of a bath" or "sole use of the brand".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

41%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sole use" is a versatile phrase used to express exclusivity. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable. It signifies that something is reserved for one particular user or purpose. Its usage is prevalent in scientific and news contexts, suggesting a formal yet accessible tone. When writing, be clear about who or what the ""sole use"" is intended for to avoid any ambiguity. Alternatives like ""exclusive use"" or "dedicated use" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. However, avoid using ""sole use"" when the item is, or can be shared, with others.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exclusive use

Replaces "sole" with "exclusive", emphasizing the restricted access.

single use

Focuses on the object being used only once or for one particular instance.

dedicated use

Highlights that something is set apart for a specific function.

exclusive right

Emphasizes a legal entitlement to use something without others.

personal use only

Specifies use is restricted to an individual, not for commercial purposes.

intended use

Focuses on the designed purpose for which something is meant to be used.

restricted access

Highlights limited access to a resource.

proprietary use

Indicates that use is limited by ownership or intellectual property rights.

unilateral use

Emphasizes the action is done by one party or entity alone.

individual use

Highlights that the use is by one person only, not a group.

FAQs

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

You can use "sole use" to indicate that something is intended for only one person or purpose. For example, "This bathroom is for the "exclusive use" of the guests."

What are some alternatives to "sole use"?

Alternatives include phrases like ""exclusive use"", "dedicated use", or "single use", depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "for the sole and exclusive use"?

While "sole" and "exclusive" are similar, using both emphasizes the restricted nature of the use. It is often found in legal or formal contexts for added clarity.

What's the difference between "sole use" and "primary use"?

"Sole use" means something is only for one purpose, while "primary use" means it has multiple purposes but one is more common or important than the others.