one and only option

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "one and only option" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that there is a single choice available in a given situation. Example: "In this case, the one and only option is to proceed with the project as planned."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

To date, no one has clearly articulated the design decision-making criteria that yielded the one and only option now on the table.

Huffington Post

M&A is now your one and only option.

TechCrunch

No need to select this option as this is the one and only option here.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

It is a sys-net requirement that for further exploration at any one specific point, one and only one option can be chosen from amongst the existing mutually exclusive options.

Functional Linguistics

However the principle stated earlier will apply: that one and only one option from each m-system must be chosen at any particular point.

Functional Linguistics

There's one, and only one option here, which is for Washington — including those moving there next month — to deal with this as though the life of our republic depends on it.

TechCrunch

"She's our one and only consistent scoring option".

The New York Times - Sports

Thus, decisions about the future energy supply are not just about selecting the one and only best power plant option.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

Due to this monotony of μ m, for arbitrary X one and only one of next two options (a) and (b) is possible: ( a ) μ = μ m for all large enough  m, ( b ) μ < μ m for  m = 1, 2, …. (9).

Advances in Difference Equations

All tests were 10 multiple choice questions with four options and only one option was the correct answer.

Computers & Education

CSM, the agency of which he is chairman, helped design Baku's bid for the games (not that it needed one, it was the only option) and draw up the host city contract.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "one and only option" to clearly emphasize that only one possibility exists, leaving no room for ambiguity or alternative consideration.

Common error

Avoid using "one and only option" in scenarios where multiple choices are inherently present but limited. This can create a sense of artificial restriction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "one and only option" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the sole alternative or possibility in a given situation. Ludwig AI indicates its correct usage in emphasizing the singularity of a choice.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "one and only option" is a grammatically correct expression used to emphasize the absence of alternatives, as confirmed by Ludwig. While the frequency of usage is relatively rare, it appears across various contexts, including news, wikis, and scientific publications. Ludwig AI suggests it is used to clearly indicate a unique and singular choice, often conveying a sense of inevitability. When using this phrase, ensure that there truly is only one viable choice to avoid creating a false sense of restriction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sole option

Replaces "one and only" with "sole", simplifying the phrase while retaining the meaning of exclusivity.

only choice

Shortens the phrase, focusing on the absence of alternatives.

single option

Emphasizes the singular nature of the available choice.

only alternative

Replaces "option" with "alternative", maintaining a similar meaning.

no other choice

Expresses the absence of any other possibility.

exclusive option

Highlights the uniqueness and lack of other possibilities.

the only way

Shifts the focus to a path or method, rather than a selection.

the only course of action

More formal and specific, indicating a required action.

last resort

Implies desperation and a final attempt.

Hobson's choice

An idiomatic expression indicating a seemingly free choice that offers no real alternative.

FAQs

What does "one and only option" mean?

The phrase "one and only option" means that there is only one choice available, with no other alternatives to consider.

How can I use "one and only option" in a sentence?

You can use it to emphasize the exclusivity of a choice, such as: "Given the circumstances, our "sole option" is to proceed with the project as planned."

What can I say instead of "one and only option"?

You can use alternatives like ""sole option"", "only choice", or "single option" depending on the context.

Is "one and only option" formal or informal?

The phrase "one and only option" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although simpler alternatives like "only choice" might be preferable in casual settings.