the sole drawback

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the sole drawback" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to highlight the only disadvantage or negative aspect of a situation, product, or idea. Example: "The sole drawback of this new software is its high cost, which may deter some users from purchasing it."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The sole drawback of this method is the difficulty in finding that special structure that can be exploited in certain RA problems.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

The sole drawback of the screening procedure in relation to the data presented here is the lack of BMPEA and amphetamine chromatographic separation.

Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

One of the sole drawbacks to Google Voice is the requirement to change your phone number and for those of you who, like me, completely rely on your cell phone and don't own a land line, that's a big sacrifice.

TechCrunch

The sole turbo drawback is that torque steer could be better controlled; if you jam the throttle, the power-stressed front tires twist the steering wheel in your hands.

The New York Times

The only drawback?

Forbes

"The only drawback is the cost.

Vice

Yet, more efficient methods are needed as there are substantial economic and environmental drawbacks to the sole injection of steam and solvents.

Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering

Yet the application of SEMs to our data revealed a potential drawback of using urinary MEHP as the sole biomarker of DEHP exposure.

Environmental Health Perspectives

(Cotton was the sole nay).

The New Yorker

I am the sole author.

The New Yorker

The Roosevelts were the sole triumph.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the sole drawback", ensure it's genuinely the only negative aspect to avoid undermining your credibility. Use it to introduce a specific, well-defined limitation.

Common error

Avoid using "the sole drawback" if there are multiple minor issues. It can weaken your argument if the reader perceives other significant problems.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the sole drawback" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in highlighting the singular negative aspect. It singles out one disadvantage from possible others.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Social Media

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the sole drawback" is a grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize the existence of only one significant disadvantage. Ludwig AI confirms its accurate usage in various contexts, primarily in news and scientific domains. When using the phrase, ensure it accurately represents the singular nature of the drawback to maintain clarity and credibility. Alternatives include "the only disadvantage" or "the single drawback". While less frequent than some alternatives, it remains a useful and valid expression in formal and informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the only disadvantage

This alternative directly replaces "drawback" with a synonym, focusing on a negative aspect.

the single disadvantage

This alternative emphasizes that there is only one disadvantage.

the only downside

This alternative uses a more informal word, "downside", to express a negative aspect.

the only negative aspect

This alternative is more descriptive, specifying that it's a negative aspect.

the primary limitation

This alternative highlights the limiting factor as the main drawback.

the main weakness

This alternative focuses on the weakness as the single negative point.

the chief problem

This alternative identifies the main problem or issue.

the principal shortcoming

This alternative uses more formal vocabulary to indicate a deficiency.

the solitary flaw

This alternative suggests the presence of only one fault.

the one failing

This alternative focuses on a singular failure or fault.

FAQs

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

Use "the sole drawback" to introduce the only disadvantage or negative aspect of something. For example, "The sole drawback of this plan is its high cost".

What phrases are similar to "the sole drawback"?

Alternatives include "the only downside", "the only disadvantage", or "the single disadvantage", all emphasizing a singular negative point.

Is it better to say "the only drawback" or "the sole drawback"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "the sole drawback" might sound slightly more emphatic or formal. The choice depends on the context and desired tone.

What's the difference between "the sole drawback" and "a drawback"?

"The sole drawback" indicates that there's only one disadvantage, whereas "a drawback" suggests there may be multiple issues.