choose only one answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "choose only one answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts such as surveys, quizzes, or tests where respondents are instructed to select a single option from multiple choices. Example: "In this quiz, please read each question carefully and choose only one answer for each."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Participants were required to choose only one answer from a number of options.

BMC Psychiatry

Patients are instructed to choose only one answer that most closely suits their condition at the present time.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Here students could choose only one of four predefined answers (salary, scientific interest, low time to wait and social and professional prestige) or write in their own reason (again only one).

BMC Medical Education

We were asked Carolyn's employment status and given a choice of three answers, of which we could choose only one: "currently not working," "self-employed" and "working".

The Guardian - Money

Other options — but why choose only one?

The New York Times - Travel

Write a position paper answering the question "Were Mao's ideas beneficial or harmful to the economic development of China?" Choose only one side of the argument, and support your position with as many facts and examples as possible.

The New York Times

Choose only one item.

TechCrunch

Choose only one objective for the survey.

Forbes

Why choose only one credit card?

Forbes

Choose only one: eggs or bacon.

Huffington Post

Some patients indicated more than one answer for some questions as it was not specified that only one answer should be chosen.

Europace

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "choose only one answer" in a survey or test, ensure the question is clear and unambiguous to avoid confusion. Also, pilot test your survey to preemptively catch potential issues.

Common error

Avoid using "choose only one answer" in some questions and allowing multiple answers in others within the same survey or test. This inconsistency can confuse respondents and invalidate results. Be consistent with your instructions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "choose only one answer" functions as an instructional imperative. It directs the recipient to select a single option from a set of choices, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples from academic and news sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

39%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "choose only one answer" is a grammatically correct and frequently used instruction, particularly in surveys and tests, as Ludwig confirms. It ensures clarity by restricting respondents to a single selection. While versatile, its formality remains neutral, fitting various contexts. Alternatives such as "select just one option" or "respond with a single answer" offer slight variations in tone. It’s essential to maintain consistency in instructions and be mindful of situations where a single answer might oversimplify nuanced opinions. Always pilot test your survey to preemptively catch potential issues. Finally, using "choose only one answer" helps structure responses and avoid confusion among participants.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

select just one option

Replaces "choose" with "select" and "answer" with "option", providing a slightly more formal tone.

pick only one selection

Substitutes "choose" with "pick" and "answer" with "selection", making the phrase sound more casual.

choose a single answer only

Reorders the phrase for emphasis on "single", maintaining the same core meaning.

answer with one choice only

Changes the structure to focus on the action of "answering", rather than the act of choosing.

make only one selection

Shifts the focus to the action of "making" a selection, implying a decision process.

opt for only one response

Replaces "choose" with "opt", suggesting a deliberate choice, and "answer" with "response".

limit your choice to one answer

Expresses the instruction as a limitation, adding a stricter tone.

respond with a single answer

Focuses on the act of responding, indicating that only one answer is acceptable.

one answer is to be chosen

Uses a passive voice to convey the instruction, which can sound more formal.

only one answer is permissible

Emphasizes the restriction using "permissible", making the instruction sound more formal and strict.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "choose only one answer" for variety?

You can use alternatives like "select just one option", "pick only one selection", or "respond with a single answer" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to specify "choose only one answer" in multiple-choice questions?

While not always strictly necessary, explicitly stating "choose only one answer" can prevent confusion, especially in contexts where respondents might assume multiple answers are possible.

What's the difference between "choose only one answer" and "select all that apply"?

"Choose only one answer" indicates that only a single response is valid, while "select all that apply" allows respondents to choose multiple options that are relevant.

Are there situations where "choose only one answer" might be too restrictive?

Yes, in some exploratory surveys or qualitative research, forcing a single answer might oversimplify complex opinions. Consider allowing multiple selections or open-ended responses if nuanced feedback is needed.