a single response

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a single response" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to one answer or reply to a question or prompt. Example: "In this survey, please provide a single response to each question to ensure clarity in the results."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not a single response.

The New York Times

"We did not get a single response".

The New York Times

We're not prescribing a single response.

The Guardian

My little experiment drew not a single response, heartwarming or otherwise.

The New York Times

He sent a load of tapes to record companies but we didn't get a single response.

The Guardian

These normalized individual response functions were formed into a single response matrix for the unfolding process.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment

The resultant physiological state model output is a single response variable that represents the workload.

Computers in Biology and Medicine

The process was optimized with respect to a single response, viz.

Separation and Purification Technology

Traditional methods for model validation assessment mainly focus on validating a single response.

Reliability Engineering & System Safety

Therefore, all the three responses are expressed in a single response called grey relational grade.

Materials & Design

Classical Taguchi method can optimize a single response but not multiple responses.

Measurement

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In survey design, explicitly instruct respondents to provide "a single response" per question to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a single response" when you actually mean 'a comprehensive response' or 'a detailed response'. The word "single" emphasizes quantity, not quality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a single response" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies that only one answer is given. Ludwig shows this phrase used in multiple contexts from scientific papers to news media.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

39%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a single response" is a versatile noun phrase used to emphasize that only one answer or reaction is involved. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used across diverse fields like science, news, and formal business communications. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clarifies whether you’re referring to the quantity or nature of the response. Consider alternatives like "one reply" or "a solitary response" to add variety to your writing. Avoid using "a single response" if you intend to express something more comprehensive or detailed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a solitary response

This phrase uses "solitary" to emphasize the isolated nature of the response.

a unique response

This phrase highlights that the response is the only one of its kind.

one answer

This alternative is a more concise and direct way to express the same idea, focusing on the numerical aspect.

one reply

This is a simpler alternative, replacing "response" with "reply".

a lone reaction

Using "lone" emphasizes the singular and possibly unexpected nature of the reaction.

an individual answer

This phrase highlights the separate and distinct nature of the answer.

a unified response

While "unified" usually implies agreement or cohesion, it can, in some contexts, indicate a single, coordinated response.

a collective response

This describes a single response given by a group.

a standardised response

It implies a single reply based on a protocol.

a consolidated response

This describes a single response which may derive from multiple inputs or sources.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "a single response" to sound more formal?

For more formal contexts, consider alternatives such as "one reply", "an individual answer", or depending on the context, "a consolidated response".

What does it mean when someone says they didn't receive "a single response"?

It typically means they received no reply or answer at all to their communication or request. It emphasizes the complete absence of any reaction.

In a survey, how do I ensure participants give "a single response" to each question?

Provide clear instructions, use radio buttons or multiple-choice formats where only one option can be selected, and include a validation check to flag multiple responses if necessary.

Is it always better to get "a single response" or multiple responses?

It depends on the situation. Sometimes, "a single response" is sufficient or preferable (e.g. in surveys). Other times, multiple responses are necessary for a comprehensive understanding or to gather diverse perspectives.