the sole option

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the sole option" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that there is only one choice or alternative available in a given situation. Example: "After considering all possibilities, we found that the sole option was to proceed with the original plan."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Today, he said, a low-carbon future is the sole option for prosperity.

The Guardian

VENTURE CAPITAL NOT THE SOLE OPTION Financing a social venture can be even more challenging than financing a traditional business.

The New York Times

Getting to South Uist today isn't as hard as it was in 1891, when the sole option was a slow, unreliable steamer, but it still requires determination.

The New Yorker

(The sole option remaining in the federal system is the Supreme Court; when I asked Hennis's civilian lawyer, Eric Allen, where he was taking the case next, he replied, "To Washington").

The New Yorker

The Guttmacher Institute says that two-thirds of public school districts have policies to teach sex education, and that 35percentt of those require that abstinence be promoted as the sole option for unmarried people.

The New York Times - Health

Nonetheless, the sole option for accommodation - fenced-off cabanas at the far end of the island - can come as a disappointment for travellers looking to immerse themselves in the local way of life.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

For a patacón Maracucho in a full-service setting — perhaps with a glass of beer, wine or sangria, before lolling against a banquette while listening to gentle Latin tunes — to the best of my knowledge the city's sole option is El Cocotero (228 West 18th Street, at Seventh Avenue, 212-206-8930, cocotero-restaurant.com).

The New York Times - Food

By the mid-1980's, Fresh Kills was the city's sole option, and what kept it going then, sanitation experts say, was pure inertia -- the Amazon of garbage that arrived every day came to be seen as an unstoppable force of nature.

The New York Times

At $20,338, the 2.5 S was the least-expensive test car, its sole option being a $799 air bag package (which included antilock brakes).

The New York Times

Both strikers have succumbed to injuries early on, leaving the combative Éder as his sole option.

The Guardian - Sport

The 600bhp bi-turbo 6.0-litre W12 (the sole engine option at launch, and anticipated to remain the best-seller even when the range expands) is good for a top speed of 187mph.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the sole option", ensure the context clearly establishes that no other alternatives are genuinely available. Overusing it can make your writing sound absolute and potentially close-minded.

Common error

Before stating that something is "the sole option", thoroughly investigate potential alternatives. Prematurely claiming it's the only way can stifle creativity and problem-solving.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the sole option" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a unique and singular choice or alternative in a given situation. As Ludwig AI says, it indicates exclusivity and the absence of other viable possibilities. Examples from Ludwig illustrate this in contexts ranging from travel to legal matters.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the sole option" is a noun phrase used to express that only one choice or alternative exists. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While not overly common, it appears across different contexts, including News & Media and Science. When using "the sole option", it's important to ensure that no other genuine alternatives exist to avoid sounding absolute. Alternatives include "the only alternative" or "the exclusive choice".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the only alternative

Emphasizes that there are no other possibilities or choices available.

the exclusive choice

Highlights that this option is unique and not shared by others.

the single possibility

Focuses on the lack of multiple chances or opportunities.

the one and only choice

Stresses uniqueness and the absence of any other valid selection.

the solitary solution

Indicates that this solution stands alone in resolving a problem.

the unique course of action

Highlights the distinctiveness and individuality of the action to be taken.

the remaining possibility

Suggests that all other possibilities have been exhausted, leaving just one.

the last resort

Implies that this option is only considered after all others have failed.

the only way out

Indicates a situation where this option is the only means of escape or resolution.

the unavoidable necessity

Highlights that this option is not only the only one, but also impossible to avoid.

FAQs

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

Use "the sole option" to indicate that only one choice or alternative exists in a particular situation. For example, "Given the circumstances, the sole option was to evacuate the building".

What can I say instead of "the sole option"?

You can use alternatives like "the only alternative", "the exclusive choice", or "the single possibility" depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "the sole option" in formal writing?

Yes, "the sole option" is suitable for formal writing, as it clearly and directly conveys that there is only one available choice. However, ensure that this is indeed the case, and that you aren't overlooking other alternatives.

What's the difference between "the sole option" and "a possible option"?

"The sole option" indicates that there is only one choice available, whereas "a possible option" implies that there are multiple options, and this is just one of them.