the sole issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the sole issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the only problem or concern in a particular context or discussion. Example: "After reviewing the case, we concluded that the sole issue at hand was the lack of evidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

For them, the sole issue was financing.

The New York Times - Arts

And immigration isn't the sole issue on which Trump's views are striking a chord.

The New Yorker

But whether they would bunt in a given situation wasn't the sole issue causing confusion.

The New York Times

Catholics for whom abortion may not be the sole issue when voting have also been given room to maneuver.

The New York Times

We addressed the sole issue the National Community Reinvestment Coalition raised by agreeing to accept applicants who meet lower minimum requirements.

The New York Times

Mr. Gingrich told a voter in Iowa that he should "be for Obama" if same-sex marriage was the sole issue he cared about.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

He said: "The sole issues for the committee to determine today is as legal one – is the committee legally obliged to register the land in question as a village green.

The Guardian

At Newport Academy, we firmly believe that a drug addiction or behavioral problem is not the individual's sole issue; it is the entire family's issue.

Huffington Post

Ms. Duffy of The Cook Political Report said that once Mr. Torricelli's ethical lapses were no longer Mr. Forrester's sole issue, the race returned to the kind of conventional conservative-versus-liberal fight that New Jersey Democrats have a record of winning.

The New York Times

In the absence of one sole issue for PPS success or failure (McKay and Wiers 20032004), one potential issue related to the failure of a planning system is the lack of information system and DSS tools for detailed production planning.

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

No sole issue sparked the protests but surveys revealed that the principal motives were related to anger at corruption; there were demands that President Dilma Rousseff be impeached and protests against the Workers Partyy administration and a congress so impervious to reality that it seems to inhabit a glass dome.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the sole issue" to clearly identify the single most important aspect of a complex situation, helping to streamline discussions and decision-making. This phrase is especially useful in formal or professional contexts where clarity and precision are crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "the sole issue" if multiple factors significantly contribute to the situation. Using it in this scenario can oversimplify the problem and lead to ineffective solutions. Make sure there isn't more than one issue to consider.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "the sole issue" is to act as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, pinpointing the single, most important problem or consideration. Ludwig AI confirms this by presenting numerous examples where it fulfills this role.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

19%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

11%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the sole issue" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for pinpointing the single most important matter in a discussion or situation. Ludwig AI analysis validates its correctness and provides real-world examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While versatile, it's best employed when precision is needed, especially in professional contexts. Remember to ensure that there truly is only one primary issue before using the phrase, to avoid oversimplification. Consider alternatives like "the main point" or "the central concern" for nuanced communication. All in all, "the sole issue" is a powerful tool for clear and focused communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the only matter

Emphasizes the singularity of the issue under consideration with a slightly more formal tone.

the central concern

Highlights the importance of the issue as being at the core of the discussion or problem.

the main point

Focuses on the issue as the most important idea being presented or debated.

the key question

Presents the issue as a question that needs to be answered or addressed.

the single factor

Pinpoints the issue as the only element influencing a particular outcome.

the overriding consideration

Stresses that the issue is the most important thing to think about.

the fundamental aspect

Highlights the issue as the most basic or essential part of something.

the crucial element

Emphasizes that the issue is critical for success or resolution.

the primary focus

Indicates the issue is the primary area of attention or effort.

the decisive factor

Identifies the issue as the one that will ultimately determine the outcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "the sole issue" to highlight the most important aspect of a situation. For example, "The sole issue at the meeting was the budget cuts."

What are some alternatives to "the sole issue"?

Some alternatives include "the main point", "the central concern", or "the only matter". You can also use more descriptive alternatives, such as /s/the+key+question or /s/the+single+factor depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "the sole issue" in informal writing?

While "the sole issue" is generally suitable for formal contexts, it can also be used in informal writing when you need to emphasize the single most important aspect. However, consider alternatives like "the main thing" for a more casual tone.

What's the difference between "the sole issue" and "an issue"?

"The sole issue" indicates there is only one significant concern, whereas "an issue" suggests one of potentially many problems or topics. Using "the" emphasizes its unique importance.