a single correct response

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a single correct response" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a situation where only one answer is deemed accurate or acceptable. Example: "In this quiz, there is a single correct response for each question, so make sure to choose wisely."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

We also revised answer formats for TTCI questions that did not force a single correct response, that is, options that allowed for more than one correct answer (for example, 'more than one of the above').

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Siri offered the first mass-market assistant capable of understanding humans' natural speech patterns and assembling information from disparate parts of the Internet into a single, correct response.

Huffington Post

A multiple choice format with a single correct response option and four distractors ("1 of 5") was used.

BMC Medical Education

Should we perhaps be asking students to consider how they might manage such situations, as there is unlikely to be a single correct response?

BMC Medical Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The end goal is a single correct answer.

TechCrunch

A 33-item questionnaire with a single correct answer.

BMC Family Practice

Nor is there a single "correct" solution.

The Guardian - Opinion

But that was a puzzle with a single correct solution.

Science Magazine

Auditory feedback was provided: a single click for a correct response and a double-click for an incorrect response.

Plosone

In the short version, however, there was a different impact on old and new items: While the number of hits decreased significantly as soon as two confederates gave incorrect responses (Table 1), the rate of correct rejections remained high (>80%) as long as a single confederate gave a correct response.

Plosone

A correct response delivered a single food pellet, illuminated the food hopper light for 4 sec, and extinguished the cue lights.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a single correct response" in multiple-choice questions, clearly state the instructions so respondents understand that only one option is acceptable.

Common error

Avoid using "a single correct response" when the context allows for multiple valid answers. Ensure your assessment or situation genuinely demands only one accurate solution to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a single correct response" functions as a modifier specifying the type of answer expected in a given situation, frequently in tests or questionnaires. Ludwig examples show its use in describing question formats and expected answers, indicating its role in defining clear criteria for evaluation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a single correct response" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English. Ludwig AI analysis indicates it serves primarily to clarify expectations and provide precise instructions, particularly within formal and scientific contexts. While not exceedingly common, it is used across diverse authoritative sources like The New York Times and BMC Medical Education. When using this phrase, ensure the context truly necessitates only one accurate answer to prevent ambiguity, focusing on directness and clarity in your communication. Alternatives include "one accurate answer" or "sole correct answer" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one accurate answer

Replaces 'single' with 'one' and 'correct' with 'accurate', emphasizing precision.

sole correct answer

Substitutes 'single' with 'sole' to highlight exclusivity.

only right answer

Uses 'right' instead of 'correct', making it slightly more informal.

unique correct solution

Replaces "response" with "solution", implying a problem-solving context.

one and only correct answer

Adds emphasis to the singularity and correctness of the answer.

a uniquely accurate solution

Replaces "response" with "solution" and emphasizes the accuracy.

the one correct solution

Definite article "the" is added, suggesting that a single solution is defined.

the only acceptable answer

Uses 'acceptable' instead of 'correct', shifting focus to compliance rather than accuracy.

the correct answer alone

Emphasizes that the correct answer is the only one that matters.

a definitive correct response

Adds "definitive" to show that the response is certain and final.

FAQs

How can I use "a single correct response" in a sentence?

You can use "a single correct response" when you want to emphasize that there is only one valid answer or solution to a question or problem. For instance, "The test requires you to select "a single correct response" from the given options."

What are some alternatives to "a single correct response"?

Alternatives include phrases like "one accurate answer", "sole correct answer", or "only right answer", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "a single correct response"?

It's appropriate when designing assessments, surveys, or scenarios where only one answer is definitively true or most appropriate. This is common in standardized tests or situations where specific criteria dictate a particular "correct answer alone".

What is the difference between "a single correct response" and "multiple correct responses"?

"A single correct response" implies that only one choice is accurate, while "multiple correct responses" indicates that several answers may be valid. The distinction is crucial in setting expectations and designing clear instructions.