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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
please tick one
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "please tick one" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in surveys or forms to instruct respondents to select one option from a list. Example: "Please tick one: Yes, No, or Maybe."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
6 human-written examples
(Please tick one box).
Science
Please tick one answer per row.
Science
Please tick one box in each column.
Science
(Please tick one and explain why if possible) There is a logically correct choice.
Science
(Please tick one) I memorized each galaxy (0) I just watched and eventually got it (1) No strategy (0) I put them into an order/hierarchy (2) Other (scored as for question 1c) 4. Number the galaxies according to how you think they were ordered.
Science
Which alternative do you prefer to reduce your risk to die from PC: no screening, screening programme 1, or screening programme 2? (please, tick one box) The probability that respondent n belongs to class segment c, is given by a class assignment model.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
53 human-written examples
Please tick on a box on the scale, where the value 0 means: 'unwilling to take risks' and the value 10 means: 'fully prepared to take risks'".
Science
Table 9 Primary investment strategies Please tick only one of the investment strategies (used by funds) that you prefer.
Science
Please tick off Vince Cable.
News & Media
Please tick yes or no to the following.
News & Media
Please tick the most appropriate box".
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "please tick one" in forms or surveys, ensure the options are clearly presented, and the ticking mechanism (checkbox, radio button) is easily accessible for the user.
Common error
Avoid using "please tick one" if multiple options are permissible. In such cases, opt for "please tick all that apply" or "please select all that apply" to avoid ambiguity.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.3/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "please tick one" functions as an imperative instruction, commonly used in surveys, forms, and questionnaires. It directs the respondent to select a single option from a given set of choices. As noted by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples in Ludwig highlight its application in medical questionnaires and general surveys.
Frequent in
Science
71%
News & Media
29%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Wiki
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "please tick one" is a grammatically sound and commonly used imperative phrase, instructing someone to select a single option from a list. Ludwig's analysis confirms its correctness and highlights its use in diverse contexts such as science and news media. While versatile, it's best suited for scenarios demanding a single selection, maintaining clarity and conciseness. Remember to use alternatives like "please select one" for increased formality. The key is to ensure the options are clearly presented and the selection mechanism is user-friendly. It is important to use the similar phrase "please tick all that apply" when one or more options are expected.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
Please choose only one
Substitutes "tick" with "choose" and adds "only" for emphasis.
Select one option, please
Reorders the phrase, placing "please" at the end.
Kindly select one option
Replaces "please tick" with a more formal "kindly select".
Pick only one option
Replaces "tick" with "pick", creating a slightly more informal tone.
Select a single option, please
Replaces "one" with "a single option" for clarity.
Please mark one selection
Uses "mark" instead of "tick" and "selection" instead of "one".
Please make one selection
Uses "make" instead of "tick" and "selection" instead of "one".
Choose one from the following, please
Adds context by specifying "from the following".
Please designate one choice
Uses "designate" for a more formal and precise instruction.
Indicate your choice
Uses a more concise and direct instruction.
FAQs
How do I use "please tick one" in a sentence?
Use "please tick one" to instruct someone to choose only one option from a list, typically in a form or survey. For example, "Which option best describes your current role?
Please tick one."
What can I say instead of "please tick one"?
You can use alternatives like "please select one", "kindly choose one", or "select one option" depending on the context.
Is it appropriate to use "please tick one" in formal communication?
While "please tick one" is generally acceptable, consider using a more formal alternative like "please select one" or "indicate your choice" in highly formal contexts, such as official documents.
What's the difference between "please tick one" and "please tick all that apply"?
"Please tick one" instructs the user to choose only a single option. "Please tick all that apply", on the other hand, allows the user to select multiple options from the provided list.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.3/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested