the sole method

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the sole method" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that there is only one way to achieve something or to do a particular task. Example: "In this experiment, we will use the sole method of filtration to separate the components."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

After that, ratification is the sole method for a government to express support for the treaty or associate with it.

The New York Times

According to Havel, "the sole method of politics is quantifiable success," which meant that "good and evil" were losing "all absolute meaning".

The New Yorker

(Nebraska was the last U.S. state to use electrocution as the sole method of execution; in 2008 the Nebraska Supreme Court ruled it unconstitutional).

Encyclopedia Britannica

By 1999, 34 of the 38 states with capital punishment had moved to lethal injection as the sole method or as an option, largely because it was considered more humane than the other methods.

The New York Times

In politics, good and evil, categories of the natural world and therefore obsolete remnants of the past, lose all absolute meaning; the sole method of politics is quantifiable success.

The New Yorker

It taps the least exciting/most frustrating part of the game and makes it the sole method of catching these guys.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Thus, the increasing reliance on nonculture-based tests as the sole methods of diagnosing legionellosis is a cause for concern, given the variable utility of these assays.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

The Florida legislature responded to the execution not by eliminating the electric chair but by passing a law affirming it as the state's sole method of execution.

Huffington Post

The highest reduction of eggs was achieved in WVC method followed by windrow method of composting (WC), while the sole vermicomposting method (VC) registered the lowest value (Fig. 13).

Environmental Systems Research

If the 8VSB method is not halted as the sole broadcast method, then the days of broadcast TV are over.

Forbes

Georgia's Supreme Court became the first appellate court in the country today to rule that electrocution is an unconstitutionally cruel and unusual punishment, leaving Alabama and Nebraska as the only states using the electric chair as their sole method of execution.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the sole method" when you want to clearly emphasize that there is only one way of achieving a particular outcome or performing a specific action. This avoids ambiguity and highlights the exclusivity of the approach.

Common error

Avoid using "the sole method" if alternative approaches exist, even if they are less effective or less common. Accuracy is crucial; exaggerating the exclusivity can undermine your credibility. Be sure that the procedure or process mentioned is genuinely the only one available or applicable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the sole method" functions as a determiner phrase, specifying that only one method exists or is applicable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically sound construction used to emphasize exclusivity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the sole method" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to emphasize that there is only one way to achieve something. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its validity and widespread usage. It is most commonly found in scientific and news-related contexts, with a neutral to formal tone. While alternatives like "the only method" or "the exclusive method" exist, "the sole method" effectively conveys the exclusivity of a particular approach. When using this phrase, ensure that the method truly is the only option to maintain accuracy and credibility. This guide has provided insights into its usage, common errors to avoid, and related phrases to enhance writing skills.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the only method

Replaces 'sole' with 'only', emphasizing singularity without changing the core meaning.

the exclusive method

Substitutes 'sole' with 'exclusive', highlighting the unique and restricted nature of the method.

the unique method

Replaces 'sole' with 'unique' to emphasize the method's distinctiveness.

the solitary method

Emphasizes the singleness of the method using 'solitary', which can add a touch of isolation.

the one method

Simplifies the phrase to 'the one method', maintaining the focus on singularity but with a less formal tone.

the single method

Uses 'single' instead of 'sole' to convey the idea of just one method being available.

the lone method

Replaces 'sole' with 'lone', suggesting the method is isolated and without alternatives.

the primary method

While not strictly indicating a single method, it implies the most important or favored method, which can function similarly in some contexts.

the main method

Similar to 'primary method', it denotes the principal method used, though it doesn't exclude the possibility of others.

the definitive method

Suggests the method is conclusive and authoritative, setting it apart from other possibilities.

FAQs

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

You can use "the sole method" to emphasize that there is only one way to achieve something, as in, "For many years, surgery was "the sole method" of treatment for this condition."

What are some alternatives to "the sole method"?

Alternatives include "the only method", "the exclusive method", or "the unique method", all of which convey a similar meaning of singularity or exclusivity.

Is it redundant to say "the sole and only method"?

Yes, using both "sole" and "only" together is redundant because they both convey the same meaning. It's best to use either "the sole method" or "the only method" for clarity.

When is it appropriate to use "the sole method" versus "a primary method"?

"The sole method" should be used when there is truly only one approach. "A primary method" is more appropriate when multiple methods exist, but one is preferred or most commonly used.