solely because of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "solely because of" is grammatically correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to explain why something (or someone) is in a certain state. Example: The house was in a state of disrepair solely because of its lack of maintenance over the years.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"I think it's solely because of resources," says Schaffer.

The Guardian - Tech

The application is not denied solely because of the name.

The New York Times

46 solely because of the drug testing part of the initiative.

University of California, Berkeley

It becomes especially problematic when people are aggressively killed solely because of their blackness.

University of California, Berkeley

This includes any substitution in named obligors, solely because of the restructuring.

Cornell University

She applied for benefits, but was denied relief solely because of the residency provision.

Cornell University

After the tragedy some people tried to smear his character solely because of his Islamic faith.

The New Yorker

Jackson is alive solely because of the inefficiency of the system that sought to kill him.

The New Yorker

He's an extraordinary man and I sit here solely because of him.

The Guardian - Film

He said the suspension was solely because of Gonzalez's comments after the Rutgers games.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

In 1994 the court declared that striking jurors solely because of their gender was equally unconstitutional.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "solely because of" to clearly and directly indicate that one factor is the only reason for a particular outcome or situation. This can strengthen your argument and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "solely because of" if other factors contribute to the outcome. Ensure your statement is accurate by considering all relevant variables before attributing something to a single cause.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "solely because of" functions as a causal connector, indicating that a specific factor is the exclusive reason for a particular outcome or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

32%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "solely because of" is a grammatically correct and frequently used causal connector. Ludwig AI validates its widespread applicability across various domains. It clearly and directly indicates that one specific factor is the exclusive cause of a particular outcome. While highly useful, it's crucial to ensure accuracy by considering all relevant variables and avoiding its use when other factors also contribute. Alternatives include "exclusively due to" and "entirely on account of", offering similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exclusively due to

Emphasizes the exclusivity of the cause, similar to "solely because of" but with a slightly more formal tone.

only as a consequence of

Similar to "solely because of" but puts stress on the consequence that derived.

purely as a result of

Highlights that the outcome is a direct and unmixed consequence.

uniquely attributable to

Emphasizes that the cause is distinct and not shared with other factors.

entirely on account of

A more formal alternative emphasizing the reason or basis for something.

principally stemming from

Indicates the cause is the main origin or source of something.

simply owing to

A more simplistic way of stating the cause, suitable for less formal contexts.

just by virtue of

Implies the cause is inherent or intrinsic to the subject.

merely by reason of

Indicates the cause is basic and fundamental, sometimes implying a degree of insignificance.

completely thanks to

Highlights the positive impact of the cause, implying gratitude or acknowledgement.

FAQs

How can I use "solely because of" in a sentence?

Use "solely because of" to indicate that something happens or is true for one reason and no other. For example, "The project failed "solely because of" poor planning."

What are some alternatives to using "solely because of"?

Alternatives include phrases like "exclusively due to", "entirely on account of", or "purely as a result of". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is it always appropriate to use "solely because of"?

No, it is not always appropriate. Use this phrase only when one specific factor is definitively the only cause. Otherwise, consider using language that acknowledges other contributing factors.

What's the difference between "solely because of" and "partly because of"?

"Solely because of" indicates a single cause, whereas "partly because of" suggests that multiple factors contributed to the outcome. Using the correct phrase ensures accuracy and avoids misleading the reader.