is the only answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is the only answer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when emphasizing that a particular solution or response is the sole correct option in a given context. Example: "After considering all possibilities, I can confidently say that honesty is the only answer to this dilemma."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Action is the only answer.

The New York Times

Capital punishment is the only answer".

The New York Times

"Silence is the only answer".

The New Yorker

Domouso believes agribusiness is the only answer.

The Guardian

Who knows, is the only answer.

The Guardian - Film

The latter is the only answer.

The Guardian - Books

We're not saying that the DeltaWing is the only answer.

The New York Times

Now, maybe this is the only answer to our problems.

The New Yorker

And that pretty much is the only answer.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Spay and neutering is the only answer to this problem".

The New York Times

"That is the only answer there ever is".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is the only answer" when you want to emphasize that there are no other viable solutions or options. For instance, "In this crisis, decisive action is the only answer."

Common error

Avoid using "is the only answer" when multiple solutions are possible or when the situation requires a more nuanced approach. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound simplistic or dismissive of alternative viewpoints.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is the only answer" functions as a predicate nominative, linking the subject to a noun phrase that renames it. It asserts that the subject has only one possible solution or resolution, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is the only answer" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase for emphasizing that a particular solution is the sole viable option. Ludwig's AI confirms its correct usage, and its prevalence across news, science, and business contexts demonstrates its versatility. While powerful, avoid overuse to maintain nuance in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is the sole solution

Replaces "only" with "sole" to emphasize uniqueness.

is the one and only solution

Adds emphasis by using "one and only".

is the singular solution

Uses "singular" to highlight the uniqueness of the solution.

is the unique resolution

Substitutes "answer" with "resolution", implying problem-solving.

is the definitive solution

Emphasizes that the solution is conclusive and final.

is the only way out

Implies the solution is a means of escape or resolution to a difficult situation.

is the only possibility

Shifts focus to the lack of alternative options.

is the only recourse

Suggests the solution is a last resort.

is the necessary step

Highlights the inevitability and importance of the action.

is the inevitable conclusion

Emphasizes that the outcome is unavoidable.

FAQs

How can I use "is the only answer" in a sentence?

Use "is the only answer" when you want to stress that a specific solution is the single, most effective or perhaps the sole option. For instance, "For many, sustainable city design "is the only answer to climate change"".

What are some alternatives to "is the only answer"?

You can use alternatives like "is the sole solution", "is the one and only solution", or "is the definitive solution" depending on the context and the level of emphasis you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "is the only answer"?

Yes, "is the only answer" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English grammar rules and is widely used in both formal and informal contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "is the only answer" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "is the only answer" when you want to express a strong conviction that a specific solution or approach is the only viable option available. Be cautious about overusing it, as it can sometimes sound dismissive of other perspectives.