exactly one correct answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exactly one correct answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to emphasize that there is a single, definitive answer to a question or problem. Example: "In this quiz, each question has exactly one correct answer, so make sure to choose wisely."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But when he sang it on Friday night, there was exactly one correct answer: "Bruuuce!" It seems that this is going to be Mr. Springsteen's most joyful-sounding tour in years.

The New York Times - Arts

To help establish content validity, faculty reviewed the questions to determine whether they addressed specified concepts and to ensure that each question had exactly one correct answer.

CBE Life Sciences Education

Of the question types available on Blackboard, the following were used: Jumbled Sentence (matching a list of questions with a drop-down list of answers; we mostly included false-positives), Multiple Choice (asking for exactly one correct answer), and Multiple Answers (asking for one to several correct answers; we generally enabled partial credit).

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Mr. Rodríguez asked four questions and got one correct answer.

The New York Times

There was no one correct answer; if I could explain my position, I could be correct.

The Washington Post

There's not one correct answer to this question.

Yale University

There is not one correct answer here.

Forbes

There is only one correct answer among the four options.

Research and Practice in Technology Enhanced Learning

Make sure there is only one correct answer.

Johns Hopkins University

There is no short answer to this very important question, nor is there one correct answer.

Applied Petrochemical Research

Each has only one correct answer.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When designing tests or quizzes, clearly state that there is "exactly one correct answer" to avoid ambiguity and ensure fair evaluation.

Common error

Avoid using "exactly one correct answer" when multiple interpretations or solutions are possible, as this can lead to frustration and invalidate the assessment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exactly one correct answer" functions as a descriptor, specifying the nature of the answer to a question or problem. It clarifies that there is a single, definitive solution, aligning with Ludwig's identification of the phrase as grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "exactly one correct answer" is grammatically sound and functions as a descriptor, commonly used in academic, scientific, and professional contexts to indicate that a question or problem has a single, definitive solution. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness. While its frequency is relatively rare, the phrase effectively eliminates ambiguity and ensures clarity. Related phrases include "one and only correct answer" and "only one right answer". When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the actual nature of the question or problem to avoid misinterpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one and only correct answer

Emphasizes the exclusivity of the correct answer.

only one right answer

Replaces "correct" with "right", maintaining the same meaning.

precisely one correct answer

Substitutes "exactly" with "precisely", adding a touch of formality.

a single correct response

Uses "response" instead of "answer", and "single" instead of "exactly one".

one definitive correct answer

Emphasizes the conclusiveness and authoritativeness of the correct answer.

uniquely correct answer

Highlights the uniqueness of the correct answer.

sole correct answer

Replaces "exactly one" with "sole", emphasizing that there is no other correct option.

just one correct answer

Uses "just" instead of "exactly", slightly less formal.

specifically one correct answer

Replaces "exactly" with "specifically", adding a layer of precision.

one correct solution only

Focuses on the solution rather than the answer, indicating a problem-solving context.

FAQs

How can I use "exactly one correct answer" in a sentence?

You can use "exactly one correct answer" to emphasize that a question or problem has only one definitive solution. For example: "Each question in the quiz has "exactly one correct answer"."

What are some alternatives to "exactly one correct answer"?

Alternatives include "one and only correct answer", "only one right answer", or "a single correct response". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "exactly one correct answer"?

While "one correct answer" implies singularity, adding "exactly" reinforces the idea and eliminates any potential ambiguity. It's useful for clarity, especially in formal contexts like tests or instructions.

What's the difference between "exactly one correct answer" and "a correct answer"?

"Exactly one correct answer" specifies that there is only one valid solution, while "a correct answer" leaves open the possibility of multiple valid solutions. The former is more restrictive.