solely one

USAGE SUMMARY

'solely one' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is an adverbial phrase that is used to indicate that something is the only one of its kind. For example, "In the kingdom, there was solely one king at a time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Also think about all opportunities rather than fixing on solely one or two career ideas.

The Guardian

All included studies were performed on small sample sizes (6 to 15 participants), most likely due to the great study effort, and thus, conclusions with regard to a greater population based on solely one intervention should be drawn carefully.

Sports Medicine - Open

There's no real fat to be cut on either end, because the decade was solely one of selfish indulgence, and it wouldn't be so far-fetched to say that the consequences of its worst offenders are only now being felt by a generation that is at least twice removed.

Vice

Contrary to what many residents fear, the story is not solely one of white newcomers pushing out black residents.

The New York Times

But we all wear different masks in different situations; I don't know that anyone is ever solely one thing.

The Guardian - Books

The power of the people (demos) is handed over to foreign and local lenders, who ask from the Greek government solely one thing: some more time in order to transfer the Greek debt to the European Central Bank; that is to European taxpayers.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

This recommendation is also rooted in the recognition that no country, not even high income ones, has achieved complete coverage, relying solely on one single financing strategy [ 4].

BMC International Health and Human Rights

He doesn't believe in relying solely on one's natural gifts.

The New York Times

Unlike Silicon Valley in California, with its emphasis on information technology, New Jersey does not rely solely on one high-tech industry, officials say.

The New York Times

It's important, Domen argues, that we diversify our diets rather than rely solely on one ingredient across so many products.

The Guardian

I cook solely on one for 30 guests once a week at my Underground Restaurant, and feel I must stick up for this behemoth, the Rolls Royce of cookers.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "solely one" to emphasize that there is only one instance or element being considered, especially when contrasting it with the possibility of multiple options or factors.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "solely one" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for the simpler "only one" or "just one" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "solely one" functions as an adverbial modifier emphasizing that something is exclusively limited to a single instance. It highlights the singularity of a factor, object, or characteristic. This is supported by Ludwig's examples demonstrating its use in scientific and news contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

27%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "solely one" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that emphasizes exclusivity and uniqueness. According to Ludwig, it serves as an adverbial modifier, highlighting that only a single instance is being considered. While versatile, it is more suited for formal and scientific contexts due to its precise and unambiguous nature. Alternatives like "only one" and "just one" are suitable for more informal settings. Ludwig's examples show its prevalence across science, news media, and formal business, reinforcing its role in conveying a singular focus.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

only one

A more common and direct synonym for "solely one", emphasizing the absence of others.

exclusively one

Replaces "solely" with "exclusively", emphasizing the exclusivity of the item or concept.

precisely one

Emphasizes exactness and the unique identity of a single item.

specifically one

Highlights that something is precisely and definitely one, rather than others.

uniquely one

Substitutes "solely" with "uniquely", highlighting the distinct and unparalleled nature of the item.

singularly one

Replaces "solely" with "singularly", highlighting the individual and unique nature.

purely one

Replaces "solely" with "purely", emphasizing the unmixed or untainted nature of something.

merely one

Uses "merely" instead of "solely", suggesting that something is only one and nothing more.

just one

Employs "just" in place of "solely", indicating a simple or straightforward singularity.

particularly one

Implies special focus on a single item, but slightly shifts the meaning from exclusivity to importance.

FAQs

How can I use "solely one" in a sentence?

Use "solely one" to emphasize that only a single item or factor is being considered. For example, "The decision was based "solely on" one criterion" highlights the singular focus.

What are some alternatives to "solely one"?

You can use alternatives like "only one", "just one", or "exclusively one" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "solely one" more formal than "only one"?

Yes, "solely one" tends to be more formal and is often found in academic, scientific, or business writing, while "only one" is more neutral and suitable for a wider range of contexts.

When should I use "solely one" instead of "simply one"?

"Solely one" emphasizes exclusivity and that nothing else is involved. "Simply one" suggests ease or lack of complexity, so choose the phrase that best fits the intended meaning.