a single-sentence response

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a single-sentence response" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a reply or answer that consists of only one sentence, often in contexts where brevity is required. Example: "Please provide a single-sentence response to the question for clarity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Reading the paper, though, I mostly vacillated between two reactions: "Huh?" and "Duh!" — sometimes in response to a single sentence.

The New York Times - Books

While some students gave responses that consisted of a single sentence, other students provided more elaborate descriptions.

CBE Life Sciences Education

The emails showed that the questions Clinton raised about certain issues and her responses were often limited to a single sentence.

Vice

After gathering responses from the executives, who encompassed seven different nationalities, a common theme merged into a single sentence: "A true leader goes the extra mile to touch peoples' lives positively".

Huffington Post

Three celebrities in a single sentence.

The Guardian

Overview | What can a single sentence accomplish?

The New York Times

In a single sentence: class dismissed.

The Guardian - Books

Some are just a single sentence.

The Guardian - Books

But I haven't written a single sentence.

The New Yorker

In section 36B, though, a single sentence is ambiguous.

The New Yorker

A single sentence will deploy the same word differently.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a single-sentence response" when brevity and clarity are paramount, such as in executive summaries or initial answers to complex questions.

Common error

Avoid using "a single-sentence response" when a more detailed explanation is necessary, as it may come across as dismissive or lacking in thoroughness. Provide more than "a single-sentence response" if more information is useful for the audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a single-sentence response" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a verb (e.g., "provide a single-sentence response") or as a subject complement. It describes the nature of a reply, emphasizing its brevity.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a single-sentence response" refers to an answer or reply delivered in just one sentence. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in written English. While the phrase itself is quite straightforward, it's crucial to understand its best use cases, primarily situations demanding brevity and clarity. Alternatives such as "a brief reply" or "a concise answer" can be considered for nuanced variations. It is very important to avoid oversimplification and to only provide a longer answer when more details are needed. It aims to limit the length of the response to a single sentence, often for clarity or efficiency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a one-sentence answer

Replaces "response" with "answer" while maintaining the emphasis on brevity.

a brief reply

Uses "reply" instead of "response" and "brief" to highlight the concise nature.

a concise answer

Focuses on the conciseness of the answer provided.

a short response

Emphasizes the limited length of the response.

a single line reply

Specifies that the reply is only one line long.

a quick answer

Highlights the speed and brevity of the answer.

a terse reply

Indicates a brief and to-the-point reply, potentially implying bluntness.

a succinct response

Emphasizes the clear and brief nature of the response.

a minimal answer

Suggests the answer is as short as possible, providing only essential information.

a one-liner

Implies a humorous or witty response delivered in a single sentence.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to provide "a single-sentence response"?

It's appropriate when you need to be concise, such as in summaries, initial explanations, or when answering direct questions that require a short, clear answer. Be aware that a longer response can be useful if you need to avoid the risk of being misinterpreted or incomplete.

What are some alternatives to "a single-sentence response"?

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

How can I ensure my "a single-sentence response" is effective?

Make sure your sentence is clear, complete, and directly addresses the question or topic. Avoid ambiguity and ensure it provides the most important information succinctly. Consider the audience to avoid being too technical or simplistic.

What are the risks of using only "a single-sentence response"?

The main risk is oversimplification. A single sentence might not capture the nuances of a complex issue, potentially leading to misunderstandings or incomplete information. Make sure the communication is not misleading. Always consider if further elaboration is needed.