the sole intention

USAGE SUMMARY

"the sole intention" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that the intention you're discussing is the only one you are referring to. For example: "The sole intention of my visit was to meet with Sarah and discuss the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

When it is done with the sole intention to offend it creates disharmony.

The Guardian - Opinion

They go in that early with the sole intention of abusing that baby once it's born".

The Guardian

I don't suppose anyone goes to drama school with the sole intention of being an understudy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If software companies design their algorithms with the sole intention of outperforming each other, the customer can be the loser.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"There was a small minority who came with the sole intention of trying to spoil the enjoyment for the majority.

The Guardian - Sport

I also constantly befriend women with the sole intention of slowly manipulating the friendship into a romantic relationship.

The New Yorker

Institutional funding through this program is made available with the sole intention of supporting students' living expenses (such as housing, food and travel expenses).

Columbia University

Alan Titchmarsh said the sole intention of his series is to encourage people to experience first hand the natural history of the British Isles.

The Guardian - Travel

Leinster began the second half with the sole intention of killing their visitors off early and went for the jugular after turning down an easy three points.

The Guardian - Sport

No, the "Swiss Miss", to use a title seemingly invented with the sole intention of exercising our gag reflexes, was simply an outstanding junior.

The Guardian - Sport

[B5.] ONE WAY TO MEET CLIENTS Meet a business traveler who flies first class with the sole intention of meeting potential clients.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the sole intention" when you want to emphasize that a particular purpose is the only one motivating an action or decision. It adds a layer of focus and determination to your writing.

Common error

While "the sole intention" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stilted in casual conversation or informal writing. Consider using simpler alternatives like "the main goal" or "the only reason" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the sole intention" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject complement or object of a preposition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to identify or describe a singular, overriding purpose, often clarifying the motivation behind an action or decision.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the sole intention" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that emphasizes a singular, overriding purpose. According to Ludwig AI, it's suitable for formal writing and is often found in news articles, academic papers, and business communications. While synonyms like "the only goal" or "the main purpose" exist, using "the sole intention" underscores the focus and determination behind a particular action. However, avoid overuse in informal contexts, as it might sound too formal. Ludwig examples showcase the phrase's effective use in various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the single aim

Emphasizes the singularity of the objective but with less intensity than "sole intention".

the main purpose

A more common and straightforward way of expressing a single objective, lacking the emphasis of "sole".

the exclusive aim

Highlights that there are no other purposes involved, similar to "sole intention" but using different vocabulary.

the only reason

Highlights that there are no additional reasons.

the only goal

Focuses on the desired outcome rather than the purpose behind the action; it emphasizes the exclusivity of the aim.

the express purpose

Similar to "sole intention" but might imply a more formal or explicitly stated aim.

the overriding objective

Suggests that the purpose is dominant and takes precedence over other considerations.

the primary objective

Indicates the most important goal, but allows for the possibility of secondary objectives.

the specific intent

Emphasizes the clarity and precision of the aim.

the fundamental reason

Focuses more on the underlying cause or justification for an action.

FAQs

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

You can use "the sole intention" to emphasize that a particular purpose is the only reason for doing something. For example: "Her "the sole intention of her visit" was to discuss the new project."

What are some alternatives to "the sole intention"?

Alternatives include "the only goal", "the main purpose", or "the single aim". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "the sole intention"?

While "sole" already implies that there is only one intention, using the phrase "the sole intention" can add emphasis and clarity, especially when you want to remove any ambiguity about someone's purpose.

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

"The sole intention" indicates that there is only one purpose, while "the primary intention" suggests that there may be other intentions, but one is more important than the others.