there is only one answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there is only one answer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when emphasizing that a specific question or problem has a single, definitive solution. Example: "In this case, there is only one answer to the riddle, and that is the key to unlocking the mystery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

While there may be many different answers to the question "Who are you wearing?", Sunday night proved there is only one answer to the question "What are you wearing?".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If Karzai says no, then there is only one answer: "You're on your own, pal.

The New York Times

There is only one answer.

The New York Times

There is only one answer – cyberspace.

The Guardian - Opinion

"There is only one answer," Lemmy said, "legalise it".

The Guardian

This year, there is only one answer: a burkini.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Still, there's only one answer to the question, "Is there anything left for fiction to have?" Isn't there?

The Guardian - Books

And there was only one answer: add a tactile layer on top of the on-screen keyboard.

TechCrunch

The title was a red herring (there's only one answer really – if it is, what do we live on?), but this, like the other docs, was an excellent way to spend a quiet half-hour.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

When someone asks you to go to Disney World, there's only one answer you respond with... "um heck yes!" I got the call on the night of Christmas.

Huffington Post

I think there's only one answer: we simply must.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "there is only one answer" when you want to emphasize the certainty or exclusivity of a solution or response. This phrase works well in situations where you want to discourage further debate or exploration of alternatives.

Common error

Avoid using "there is only one answer" too frequently, as it can come across as dismissive or arrogant. Ensure the context truly warrants such a definitive statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there is only one answer" functions as a definitive statement, asserting that a specific question or problem has a single, correct response. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for emphasizing certainty. Examples in news articles and opinion pieces illustrate this function.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Lifestyle

16%

Opinion

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

4%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "there is only one answer" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey certainty and finality, as validated by Ludwig AI. It is most frequently found in news and media, lifestyle, and opinion contexts. To avoid overuse, consider alternatives like "there is just one solution" or "only one solution exists". Use the phrase judiciously to maintain a balanced and authoritative tone in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there's just one solution

Replaces "is" with "'s" and uses "solution" instead of "answer", slightly altering the emphasis.

there is but one response

Uses "but" for emphasis and replaces "answer" with "response", making it sound more formal.

only one solution exists

Changes the sentence structure to emphasize the uniqueness of the solution.

a single answer suffices

Employs a more formal and concise tone, highlighting the sufficiency of one answer.

one answer is all that's needed

Focuses on the completeness achieved with just one answer, using a more conversational tone.

the answer is singular

Emphasizes the uniqueness of the answer by stating it directly.

a unique solution is available

Highlights the availability and uniqueness of the solution.

just one answer is possible

Stresses the limitation to only one potential answer.

there is a sole answer

Replaces "only one" with "a sole", adding a touch of formality.

one response alone exists

Emphasizes the exclusiveness of the single response.

FAQs

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

You can use "there is only one answer" to emphasize that a specific question or problem has a single, definitive solution. For example: "In this case, "there is only one answer" to the riddle, and that is the key to unlocking the mystery."

What can I say instead of "there is only one answer"?

You can use alternatives like "there is just one solution", "only one solution exists", or "a single answer suffices" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "there's only one answer"?

Yes, "there's only one answer" is a grammatically correct contraction of "there is only one answer". Both are acceptable and commonly used.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "there is only one answer"?

It is appropriate to use "there is only one answer" when you are confident that there is indeed a single, correct response to a question or problem and wish to convey certainty or finality.