the sole of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the sole of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the bottom part of a shoe or foot. Example: "The sole of my shoe has worn out after months of use."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Add another "of" before "the public square," or place the sole "of" before "both".

The New York Times

Patrolman Quirk tapped the sole of the man's right shoe.

The New Yorker

The sole of one shoe bears the inscription, "Hommage to Philip Guston 1913-1980".

The New York Times

Winter is coming and you never got that hole in the sole of your boot fixed.

The New Yorker

This is gripping stuff, like cow pat on the sole of your shoe.

The Guardian - Sport

You shudder when the implacable Shylock sharpens his knife on the sole of his boot.

The New Yorker

The sole of each of his shoes is lacquered in a vivid, glossy red.

The New Yorker

"You just have to learn to grip with the sole of your foot to walk".

The New York Times

Soon Ronaldo used the sole of his boot to give Maniche a reverse pass.

The Guardian - Sport

The exclamation point logo was a red blotch, resembling the sole of a shoe.

The Guardian

In 1975 the sole of my shoe separated from my upper during a match.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about footwear, be precise with "the sole of" and consider its material or design; this enhances clarity and informs the reader about the shoe's function or features.

Common error

Avoid using "the sole of" metaphorically when you mean 'only' or 'unique.' "Sole" in this phrase refers to the physical bottom surface; using it abstractly can confuse your reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the sole of" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase. It typically modifies a noun, specifying location or providing descriptive detail, such as "the sole of the shoe" or "the sole of the foot". Ludwig examples illustrate its common use in describing parts of footwear or anatomy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the sole of" is a prevalent prepositional phrase primarily used to indicate the bottom surface of an object or foot. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and wiki sources. The phrase functions descriptively, specifying location, and maintains a generally neutral register. Alternatives include "the bottom of" and "the underside of", though "the sole of" is more specific. It's essential to avoid metaphorical misapplications and maintain precision when describing footwear or anatomy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the bottom part of

Replaces "sole" with a more generic term for the underside, losing some specificity.

the underside of

Focuses on the lower surface, similar to "the bottom part of" but slightly more formal.

the base of

Refers to the supporting foundation or lowest part of something.

the lower surface of

A more formal and descriptive way to refer to the bottom surface.

the plantar surface of

Specifically refers to the bottom of the foot, using anatomical terminology.

the undercarriage of

Implies a supporting structure underneath, suitable for vehicles or buildings.

the tread of

Applies specifically to tires or shoes, referring to the part that contacts the ground.

the underneath of

A less common but still understandable way to say the bottom or underside.

the underpart of

Similar to "underside," but slightly less common.

the inferior aspect of

A highly formal and technical way to describe the bottom surface.

FAQs

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

You can use "the sole of" to describe the bottom part of a shoe, for example, "The sole of my shoe is worn", or to describe the bottom of the foot, such as, "The sole of my foot aches".

What are some alternatives to "the sole of"?

Alternatives to "the sole of" include phrases like "the bottom of" or "the underside of", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the sole of the foot" or should it be "the bottom of the foot"?

Both phrases are correct, but "the sole of the foot" is more specific to the weight-bearing surface, while "the bottom of the foot" is a more general term.

What does it mean when someone says, "I felt it in the sole of my feet"?

This usually means they felt a strong emotional or physical sensation originating from or concentrated in the bottom of their feet, which could be due to fear, excitement, or physical exertion.