only one appropriate answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only one appropriate answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that there is a singular correct response to a question or problem. Example: "In this quiz, there is only one appropriate answer for each question, so choose wisely."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The remaining two questions, one concerning "how performance is reviewed", required respondents to circle only one appropriate answer and the other on "how performance information is utilised" had six items which required yes or no answers.

BMC Health Services Research

There's only one appropriate answer: the truth, with context.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

There is, however, only one appropriate reaction to this: meh.

The Guardian - Opinion

There's only one appropriate ending to such a meal, and that's a dessert cocktail.

The New Yorker

In some situations, investigators may identify only one appropriate approach.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

One mark was awarded for each appropriate answer, with a maximum obtainable correct score of 53.

BMC Health Services Research

Where respondents had provided multiple answers, although only one answer was eligible, all of the multiple answers were removed for that question.

BMJ Open

And there's only one right answer".

The New York Times - Magazine

There was only one possible answer.

The Guardian - Opinion

There is one and only one right answer".

The New York Times

There was only one possible answer for Rear Adm.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "only one appropriate answer", ensure the context clearly defines the criteria for appropriateness. This avoids ambiguity and ensures the audience understands why that specific answer is correct.

Common error

Avoid using "only one appropriate answer" when multiple answers could be valid depending on interpretation. Instead, acknowledge potential alternative viewpoints or solutions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only one appropriate answer" primarily functions as a determiner phrase that modifies a noun. It asserts the existence of just a single, fitting solution or response to a specific question or scenario. Ludwig provides examples where this phrase is used in contexts ranging from test questions to general problem-solving.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

43%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "only one appropriate answer" is a grammatically sound expression used to emphasize the existence of a single, suitable response within a given context. Ludwig highlights its prevalence in scientific and news media, where the need for precision and accuracy is high. While generally neutral, context can adjust its formality. Remember to use this phrase when a specific standard defines the correctness of a response, and to avoid it when multiple valid interpretations may exist. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is indeed valid and used in a variety of reliable sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

only one reasonable answer

Replaces "appropriate" with "reasonable", suggesting a response that is logical and justified.

only one suitable answer

Substitutes "appropriate" with "suitable", implying a response that fits the specific situation or requirement.

only one correct answer

Emphasizes the accuracy of the answer, indicating it's the only one that is factually right.

only one valid answer

Indicates the answer is legitimate and acceptable, replacing "appropriate".

only one acceptable answer

Highlights the permissibility of the answer, suggesting it meets a certain standard or criteria.

only one right answer

A more direct and assertive way of saying there's only one accurate response.

only one possible answer

Focuses on the exclusivity of the answer, suggesting no other options exist.

only one sensible answer

Emphasizes the rationality of the answer, implying it's the most logical choice.

only one applicable answer

Highlights that only that answer can apply to a particular case.

only one fitting answer

Highlights that only that answer can fit perfectly in a particular situation.

FAQs

What does "only one appropriate answer" mean?

The phrase "only one appropriate answer" signifies that, in a given situation or question, there is just one single response that is correct, suitable, or fitting according to a defined standard or criteria.

How to use "only one appropriate answer" in a sentence?

You can use "only one appropriate answer" to emphasize the need to select the single most correct or suitable response from a set of options. For example: "In this section of the test, there is "only one appropriate answer" for each question."

Which is correct, "only one appropriate answer" or "one of the appropriate answers"?

The choice depends on the context. "Only one appropriate answer" indicates a singular correct response. "One of the appropriate answers" suggests there are multiple valid options, but only one needs to be selected.

What can I say instead of "only one appropriate answer"?

Alternatives include "only one correct answer", "only one valid answer", or "only one suitable answer". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.