the sole matter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the sole matter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is the only issue or topic of concern in a particular context. Example: "In this discussion, the sole matter we need to address is the budget allocation for the upcoming project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

That is the sole matter of interest, as opposed to impact, that arises from the film.

The New Yorker

These cases are before the court for disposition of the sole matter presently remaining for decision by the trial court, namely, entry of appropriate relief for the violations of the Sherman Act, Sections 1 and 2, and various state laws committed by the defendant Microsoft Corporation as found by court in accordance with its findings of fact and conclusions of law.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

For them, the sole issue was financing.

The New York Times - Arts

Modern coloured inks and washable inks contain soluble synthetic dyes as the sole colouring matter.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The sole reading matter on the panga was the Bible belonging to Salvador.

The New Yorker

But, fortunately, in modern times, it is impossible to be the sole narrator, no matter how many punches cops dole out to anyone toting a camera.

Huffington Post

Since extension is the sole essential property of matter and, conversely, matter always accompanies extension, matter must be ubiquitous.

SEP

The sole event that mattered last week was his jawboning of BP for a $20 billion down payment of blood money — to be overseen, appropriately enough, by Kenneth Feinberg of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund.

The New York Times

Florida's provision was tucked into a bill that largely concerned amendments to state regulations on vacation rentals, and assigned the state the sole authority over "matters related to the nutritional content and marketing of foods" in restaurants and hotels.

The New York Times

The peasants, who were supported by the reformer Müntzer, published their grievances in a manifesto titled "The Twelve Articles of the Peasants"; the document is notable for its declaration that the rightness of the peasants' demands should be judged by the Word of God, a notion derived directly from Luther's teaching that the Bible is the sole guide in matters of morality and belief.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But she is keenly aware that she is the sole adult there, no matter how many times she speaks to Mr. Ripka on the phone.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the sole matter" to clearly and directly emphasize the single, most important issue at hand, especially when simplifying complex situations.

Common error

Avoid using "the sole matter" in casual conversation; it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler phrases like "the only thing" or "the main point" instead.

Linguistic Context

Noun phrase functioning as a subject complement or object. The phrase "the sole matter" identifies or renames the primary subject or object under consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, used to single out a unique point in a discussion or situation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the sole matter" is a grammatically sound phrase used to highlight the singular importance of an issue. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, its frequency is rare, primarily appearing in news, media, and encyclopedic contexts. To avoid sounding overly formal, simpler alternatives should be employed in casual conversation. The phrase is most effective when you want to focus attention sharply on a single, overriding concern. Remember to utilize it judiciously, considering the context and audience to ensure appropriate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the only concern

Focuses on the aspect of concern rather than issue.

the single issue

Emphasizes the singularity of the problem or point.

the only thing that matters

Highlights importance and relevance.

the key concern

Highlights the central aspect of the problem.

the central point

Focuses on the core of the discussion.

the primary focus

Highlights the main area of attention.

the exclusive concern

Indicates that nothing else is relevant.

the only consideration

Highlights that only the one thing is relevant.

the principal issue

Stresses importance and precedence.

the crux of the matter

Focuses on the most crucial part of the issue.

FAQs

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

You can use "the sole matter" to emphasize what is most important in a given situation. For example, "In this negotiation, "the sole matter" is reaching a fair agreement".

What phrases are similar to "the sole matter"?

Similar phrases include "the only concern", "the single issue", or "the only thing that matters". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the sole matter at hand"?

Yes, "the sole matter at hand" is grammatically correct and emphasizes that you are focusing on the most important issue currently being discussed or dealt with.

What's the difference between "the sole matter" and "the main issue"?

"The sole matter" suggests there is only one issue of importance, whereas "the main issue" implies that there might be other issues, but one is more important than the others.