the sole reason

USAGE SUMMARY

'the sole reason' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to a single, specific cause or motivation for an action or occurrence. For example: "The sole reason I stayed late at work was to finish the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"That's the sole reason for this law".

The New York Times

"And that is the sole reason," she added.

The New York Times

It's the sole reason to use the edge panel.

The Guardian - Tech

"Making money is the sole reason they exist," he writes.

The Guardian - Books

"That's the sole reason?" Yes, the detective said.

The New York Times

They are the sole reason we have it.

The Guardian - Opinion

The sole reason was because they were Albanians".

The New York Times

Shahzad's journalism may not have been the sole reason that he was targeted.

The New Yorker

If that's the sole reason for Ms Romer's appointment it would be a shame.

The Economist

But, he added, that was not the sole reason they had been chosen.

The New York Times

That personal security is the sole reason the book is being published under a pseudonym.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the sole reason", ensure that the context supports the exclusivity. If other contributing factors exist, consider using "a primary reason" or "a major factor" instead.

Common error

Avoid using "the sole reason" if multiple factors contribute to the outcome. Overstating causality can weaken your argument and reduce credibility. Instead, acknowledge other influences when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the sole reason" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the only cause, motive, or justification for a particular action, event, or situation. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of the expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the sole reason" is a noun phrase used to emphasize that a single, exclusive factor is responsible for a particular outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It is grammatically sound and frequently used across diverse contexts, including news, science, and business. When using this phrase, ensure that the context supports the exclusivity it implies; otherwise, consider alternatives like "the main reason" or "a primary reason". Overstating causality is a common error, so acknowledging other influences when appropriate will strengthen your writing. By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively use "the sole reason" to convey a clear and definitive message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the only reason

Replaces "sole" with "only", emphasizing exclusivity in a more common way.

the single cause

Emphasizes that there is just one causal factor.

the exclusive reason

Replaces "sole" with "exclusive", stressing that no other reason exists.

the one and only reason

Adds emphasis to the uniqueness and exclusivity of the reason.

the primary reason

Substitutes "sole" with "primary", highlighting the main but not necessarily exclusive cause.

the main reason

Similar to "primary reason", focusing on the principal cause.

the only motive

Shifts the focus from reason to motive, implying intent.

the key factor

Highlights the most important and influential reason.

the driving force

Presents the reason as an active, propelling element.

the determining factor

Focuses on the reason that ultimately decides an outcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "the sole reason" to emphasize that a single factor is responsible for something. For example: "The sole reason I applied for this job was the opportunity for growth."

What phrases are similar to "the sole reason"?

Similar phrases include "the only reason", "the main reason", or "the primary reason". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "the sole reason" if there are other contributing factors?

No, using "the sole reason" implies that no other factors are involved. If multiple factors contribute, it's better to use phrases like "a major reason" or "one of the primary reasons".

What is the difference between "the sole reason" and "a reason"?

"The sole reason" indicates exclusivity – that only one reason exists. "A reason" simply suggests one factor among potentially many.