the sole condition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the sole condition" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to specify that there is only one requirement or stipulation in a given context. Example: "The sole condition for joining the club is that you must be at least 18 years old."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The sole condition of their return is that they do not ranch so the forests can grow undisturbed.

The New York Times

The sole condition was that the search had to look for articles used in connection with terrorism – but this covered many things commonly carried by people in the street.

The Guardian

It is simply added to the nation's budget, on the sole condition that the government place a high priority on spending likely to benefit the poor.There are obvious risks to DFID's hands-off approach.

The Economist

To celebrate its 20th anniversary, a glossy travel magazine called Condé Nast Traveler asked me to travel around the world in 80 days, the sole condition being that I wasn't allowed to fly.

Independent

Mr. Wattenberg is the founder and proprietor of the Book Thing, a makeshift, backdoor operation that has become an institution in the last six years for giving away hundreds of thousands of books on the sole condition that they are presented free to browsers and must stay that way.

The New York Times

Reserving only £120 per year for her own use, she used the remaining funds to buy a plot of land near Kilmainham and to build the new hospital, with the sole condition being that she be granted a suite of apartments in the building.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

For a start, it patronises those outside the "first world" by implying that hunger, disease and war are not only prevalent among the global poor but in some way the sole conditions of their lives.

The Guardian - Books

Consequently, it appears that the mitogenic actions of clodronate can only be detected in oestrogen-responsive breast cancer cells cultured in SFM, the sole conditions appropriate for the observation of E2-induced stimulation.

British Journal of Cancer

Second, and by no means less importantly, ANA is a first-level test not for the diagnosis of a sole condition, but for several systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus, mixed connective tissue disease, undifferentiated connective tissue disease, Sjögren's syndrome, and scleroderma), as well as autoimmune hepatic disorders.

Autoimmunity Highlights

The Japanese government attempted to gain as its sole condition for surrender a qualification for the preservation of the imperial institution; after the Allies agreed to respect the will of the Japanese people, the emperor insisted on surrender.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although Kant had been successful in demonstrating that a sufficient is also a necessary condition, he did not make clear why it should be taken as the sole such condition.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the sole condition" to clearly and concisely indicate that there is only one requirement to be fulfilled, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid adding unnecessary clauses or qualifiers when using "the sole condition". Clarity is key. For instance, instead of saying "the sole condition is that, assuming all other factors are equal...", state the condition directly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the sole condition" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a singular, exclusive requirement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and understandable, serving to emphasize that there is only one condition to be fulfilled.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the sole condition" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that indicates a singular, exclusive requirement. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is valid and easily incorporated into writing. Its purpose is to provide clarity by stating that no other conditions are necessary. It is suitable for a range of contexts, from scientific and news articles to more informal communication, with neutral register. Remember to maintain clarity when using this phrase, avoiding unnecessary qualifiers. Consider alternatives such as "the only condition" or "the exclusive condition" for variety. The phrase's effectiveness lies in its directness, ensuring that the reader understands there is only one requirement to meet.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the only condition

Replaces "sole" with "only", a direct synonym, maintaining the exclusivity of the condition.

the exclusive condition

Substitutes "sole" with "exclusive", emphasizing that no other conditions apply.

the single condition

Replaces "sole" with "single", focusing on the singularity of the condition.

the one and only condition

Adds emphasis to the exclusivity of the condition.

the prerequisite

Uses a noun form indicating a condition that must be met beforehand.

the requirement

Similar to 'prerequisite' but more general, referring to something necessary.

the only stipulation

Replaces 'condition' with 'stipulation', implying a specific demand or agreement.

the determining factor

Shifts focus to the condition as the element that decides the outcome.

the essential term

Highlights the importance of the condition as a key part of an agreement.

the solitary term

Emphasizes the isolated nature of the condition, making it the only one to be considered.

FAQs

What does "the sole condition" mean?

The phrase "the sole condition" means there is only one requirement or stipulation that must be met. It emphasizes that no other conditions are necessary or relevant.

What can I say instead of "the sole condition"?

You can use alternatives like "the only condition", "the exclusive condition", or "the single condition" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the sole conditions"?

While grammatically possible if referring to multiple aspects of a single condition, it's more common and clearer to use "the sole condition" when intending to express that there's only one requirement. If there are truly multiple aspects, rephrase for clarity.

How do I use "the sole condition" in a sentence?

You can use "the sole condition" to introduce the only requirement that needs to be met. For example, "The sole condition for entry is a valid ticket."