only one wrong answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only one wrong answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts such as quizzes, tests, or discussions where there is a limited number of incorrect options available. Example: "In this multiple-choice quiz, there is only one wrong answer among the four options provided."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

He noted that unlike that game, "Millionaire" knocks off a contestant for only one wrong answer.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Finalists are allowed to get one wrong answer; on the second one they're out.

The New York Times

The celebrities had three lifelines, and one wrong answer could have spelled humiliation.

The Guardian

After two correct answers, the gap size decreased by a factor of 1.2; after one wrong answer, the gap size increased by a factor of 1.2.

Ear and Hearing

And there's only one right answer".

The New York Times - Magazine

There was only one possible answer.

The Guardian - Opinion

To ask whether Saddam had WMD is the wrong question: the one the wise man should ask is "Would Saddam quite like to have had WMD?" to which there is only one clear answer.

The Guardian - Books

There is one and only one right answer".

The New York Times

This statement is factually wrong as shown by this test: question 2 asks children to choose verb forms to put into a sentence, for which there is only one "right" answer.

The Guardian

Only one possible answer.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Each has only one correct answer.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "only one wrong answer", ensure the context clearly defines the criteria for what constitutes a 'wrong' answer. Be specific about whether partial credit is possible or if any deviation from the correct answer counts as a mistake.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "only one wrong answer" implies leniency. It often signifies a high-stakes situation where even a single mistake can lead to failure or disqualification. Ensure the severity of the constraint is understood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only one wrong answer" functions as a quantifier specifying a limit on the number of incorrect responses allowed. Ludwig AI examples show its use in contexts describing rules or grading criteria, highlighting its function in setting expectations and limitations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "only one wrong answer" is a common phrase used to indicate a strict limit on permissible errors. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and formal settings. When using this phrase, clarity is key: ensure the context explicitly defines what constitutes a 'wrong' answer. Be mindful that this phrase often implies a high-stakes situation where accuracy is heavily emphasized, so make sure the audience understands the severity of this constraint. Consider using alternatives like "just a single incorrect response" to enhance formality or precision. Ultimately, effective communication depends on understanding both the grammatical correctness and the contextual implications of phrases like "only one wrong answer".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just a single incorrect response

Emphasizes the singularity and incorrectness of the answer, using more formal vocabulary.

one permissible error

Focuses on the allowance of a single mistake, framing it as an exception.

only one acceptable mistake

Highlights the acceptability of making a single mistake, using the word "mistake" instead of "wrong answer".

a single incorrect answer is allowed

Changes the structure to passive voice, emphasizing the allowance of one incorrect answer.

one wrong response is tolerated

Uses "response" instead of "answer" and "tolerated" to imply acceptance with reservation.

only one opportunity for error

Shifts the focus to the opportunity for making a mistake, rather than the mistake itself.

just one chance to be wrong

Highlights the limited chance available to make an error.

at most, one incorrect solution

Introduces the idea of a 'solution' and limits incorrect entries 'at most'.

a solitary wrong solution permitted

Uses more formal language like 'solitary' and 'permitted' to emphasize the singular allowance.

one allowed deviation from correctness

Highlights that only one "deviation" from the "correctness" is "allowed".

FAQs

How can I use "only one wrong answer" in a sentence?

You can use "only one wrong answer" to describe a situation where a single mistake is permitted, such as "Finalists are allowed "one wrong answer"; on the second one they're out."

What's a good alternative to "only one wrong answer"?

Alternatives include "just one incorrect option" or "a single incorrect answer is allowed", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it acceptable to use "only one wrong answer" in formal writing?

Yes, "only one wrong answer" is acceptable in formal writing, especially when describing rules or constraints. However, consider using more formal alternatives like "a single incorrect response" for added precision.

What does "only one wrong answer" imply about the difficulty?

The phrase "only one wrong answer" often suggests a high level of difficulty or a strict grading policy, where accuracy is heavily emphasized and even minor errors are penalized.