this is solely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is solely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is exclusively or only related to a specific subject or purpose. Example: "This is solely for educational purposes and should not be used for commercial gain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"This is solely about the company's controls".

The New York Times

But don't think this is solely a big-bank problem.

The New York Times

This is solely a mashup exercise: from two, let there be one.

The New Yorker

This is solely our responsibility — not the ratepayers' or the taxpayers'.

The New York Times

"This is solely based on a human error that the doctor in question has taken full responsibility for.

The Guardian - Sport

"What's the evidence that this is solely the responsibility of Watts and van de Vijver?" Mr. Pether said.

The New York Times

Expressions of Englishness can be embarrassing, though let's not pretend this is solely a working-class syndrome.

The Guardian - Sport

The men's "peaceful and legitimate work never threatened state security, this is solely about the authorities arbitrarily silencing government critics", he said.

The Guardian

This is solely so that he can rub their noses in his (assumed) success, an attitude even more intolerable with his college contemporary, as he pretends to be appalled at his friend's lack of comparable ambition and success.

The Guardian - Film

Do you think this is solely down to Moyes' inexperience, or that the bookies and punters believe City & Chelsea have improved their squads so much over the summer they're now ahead of Utd?

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

You knew this was solely to maximise the agony of them being torn to shreds, but still.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is solely" to clearly and definitively limit the scope of a statement, ensuring no other factors are implied or considered. This is particularly useful in formal writing and technical explanations.

Common error

Avoid using "this is solely" in casual conversation or informal writing where simpler alternatives like "this is only" or "this is just" would sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

"This is solely" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a verb or clause, emphasizing that something is exclusively due to the reason or condition stated. Ludwig examples show this phrase clarifying the specific basis for decisions, errors, or outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

32%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this is solely" is grammatically correct and frequently used to emphasize that something is exclusively related to a specific subject or purpose. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples across varied sources. It's common in formal writing, technical explanations, and news reports, highlighting the desire for clarity and precision. While effective, it's best to avoid it in informal contexts where simpler alternatives might be more appropriate. Common alternatives include phrases like "this is exclusively" or "this is only". This phrase serves to definitively limit the scope of a statement, preventing confusion and ensuring accurate interpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is exclusively

Replaces "solely" with "exclusively", emphasizing the absence of other factors or purposes.

this is purely

Substitutes "solely" with "purely", highlighting the unadulterated nature of the cause or purpose.

this is only

A more direct and simpler alternative, using "only" to convey the same exclusive meaning.

this is entirely

Emphasizes completeness and totality of the stated reason or purpose.

this is merely

Implies that something is 'just' or 'simply' as described, and nothing more.

this is uniquely

Highlights that the reason or purpose is specific and particular to the situation.

this is specifically

Emphasizes the particular and definite nature of the purpose or cause.

this is completely

Focuses on the exhaustive nature of the stated factor, indicating there are no other considerations.

this is but

A slightly more formal and less common way of saying "this is only".

this is at most

Implies a maximum limit or degree, suggesting the stated factor is the greatest possible influence.

FAQs

How can I use "this is solely" in a sentence?

Use "this is solely" to emphasize that something depends on one thing only. For example, "This decision "this is solely" based on the evidence presented" means that no other factors were considered.

What are some alternatives to "this is solely"?

Alternatives include "this is exclusively", "this is purely", or "this is only". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to use "solely" or are there times when "only" is sufficient?

While "solely" emphasizes exclusivity, "only" often works just as well in most contexts. The choice depends on the desired level of emphasis. "Solely" tends to be more formal.

What's the difference between "this is solely" and "this is primarily"?

"This is solely" means something depends on one thing and nothing else. "This is primarily" means something depends mostly on one thing, but other factors might also be involved.