a one-sentence answer

USAGE SUMMARY

"a one-sentence answer" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a brief and concise answer to a question. For example: "I asked my teacher for help understanding the material, and she gave me a one-sentence answer that cleared everything up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

But after six whole pages on Proust a one-sentence answer to "How to read a novel?" seems just a bit too easy, and at times his suggestions sound rather like the "social change through academic ideology" that he has elsewhere denounced.

The New York Times - Books

For off-topic questions, a one-sentence answer plus an offer to discuss afterwards is appropriate.

The Guardian

Deborah Hackett, a white-haired sock shopper of 60, brushed off a question about United States relations with China with a one-sentence answer.

The New York Times

I talked to Stuart, on his 51st birthday, for nearly two hours in his office and this was just about the only time he gave a one-sentence answer.

The Guardian

When you receive a one-sentence answer to a four-paragraph note, pay attention.

Forbes

Now one of the answers from the students was a one-sentence answer: "But we don't have a car, do we?" It was true that this kid's parents did not have a car, and it went viral on the Internet.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Questions like "What is DNA?" are answered by helpful experts who supply a one sentence answer and then expound on it over the course of the post.

TechCrunch

Owens: We have a one sentence answer to that!

Forbes

As you can see, each of these and the many others I received are worthy of a mini-lecture rather than a one sentence answer.

Duke University

A: The one-sentence answer is that we're trying to make government work better by bringing in top talent and best practices from the technology industry.

Huffington Post

Ask everyone on your team to write down their one-sentence answer to the question, "What does 'ethics' mean to you?" Use their responses to open a discussion about how to promote your organization's values, strengthen your relationship with colleagues and serve your clients better.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When needing a quick confirmation or clarification, specify that you only need "a one-sentence answer" to avoid lengthy explanations.

Common error

Avoid asking questions that require nuanced or detailed responses if you're only expecting "a one-sentence answer". Ensure the question can be adequately answered in a single sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a one-sentence answer" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an object or complement in a sentence. It refers to an answer that is limited to a single sentence, emphasizing brevity and conciseness. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a one-sentence answer" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that refers to a concise and brief response limited to a single sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It is frequently found in News & Media and Academia, indicating its versatility across different contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the question can be adequately answered in such a limited scope. For similar expressions, consider alternatives such as "a brief response" or "a concise reply".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a single-sentence response

Uses "single-sentence" instead of "one-sentence" while keeping the meaning identical.

a brief response

Focuses on the brevity of the answer, replacing "one-sentence" with "brief".

a concise reply

Emphasizes the succinctness and clarity of the answer.

a short answer

Highlights the limited length of the response.

a quick response

Implies both brevity and speed in delivering the answer.

a succinct explanation

Highlights the clarity and brevity of an explanatory answer.

a to-the-point answer

Emphasizes directness and relevance, suggesting an answer without unnecessary details.

a compact explanation

Highlights the efficiency and conciseness of the explanation.

a pithy statement

Implies the answer is brief but also insightful and meaningful.

a terse reply

Suggests a brief and somewhat abrupt answer, possibly lacking detail.

FAQs

How can I request "a one-sentence answer" effectively?

Clearly state your request by saying, "Please provide a one-sentence answer" or "I only need a one-sentence explanation" to ensure brevity.

What are situations where "a one-sentence answer" is appropriate?

Use it for straightforward questions, quick confirmations, or initial explanations where detailed information isn't immediately necessary. For instance, when asking for "a brief summary".

What can I say instead of "a one-sentence answer"?

You can use alternatives like "a brief response", "a concise reply", or "a short answer" depending on the context.

How do I ensure my "a one-sentence answer" is still informative?

Focus on the most essential information and use clear, direct language. Prioritize the key point you want to convey and avoid unnecessary details.