Generic answer

USAGE SUMMARY

"generic answer" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to convey the idea of a response that is not tailored to the specific circumstances of the situation at hand. For example, "When the customer asked for the return policy, the retail associate gave a generic answer that did not address the customer's individual needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

A general question will get you a generic answer.

Forbes

"But this is a very generic answer and maybe doesn't help you too much.

The Guardian - Tech

When asked today about the coming free-agent frenzy, Kidd gave his generic answer: "I'm happy to be a Net".

The New York Times - Sports

But don't regurgitate a generic answer, warns Gilberg: "Make sure your reasoning is personal to you, and demonstrate with examples from your own experience".

The Guardian

It's useful to ask specific questions: 'Were there areas that let me down compared to the other candidate?' You'll avoid a generic answer".

The Guardian

A quick scan of facial expression, a gauging of voice tone and a generic answer, designed to cover most bases, lets me scrape by.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

"In my experience most people unfortunately give very generic answers that don't make them stand out from others".

The Guardian

One of its settings causes the display to form a variety of generic answers to yes-or-no questions.

The New York Times - Tech

"I don't believe eBay or PayPal read their messages, and anytime I contact them I get fobbed off with generic answers obviously read off a computer screen from somewhere overseas," says Avcil.

The Guardian - Money

Interviews themselves, however, offer such a brief opportunity for people to present themselves, and generic answers about your professionalism or achievements in previous roles are no substitute for opening yourself up as a person.

The Guardian

They are reassuring teachers that the questions are predictable, in order to try to persuade them that students will get the best marks if they come up with their own ideas rather than producing copy-cat generic answers to what are essentially generic questions.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid giving a "generic answer", always tailor your response to the specific question and context. Provide relevant details and examples that demonstrate your understanding and engagement.

Common error

Don't assume that a pre-prepared response will always be appropriate. A "generic answer" often lacks the nuance and personalization needed to address complex or unique situations effectively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "generic answer" functions as a noun phrase, where "generic" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "answer". It describes the type or quality of the answer provided. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in various contexts to critique the lack of specificity or originality in responses.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "generic answer" is commonly used to describe a response that lacks specificity, originality, or personal relevance. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage is grammatically correct and widely understood. To avoid giving a "generic answer", it's crucial to tailor your responses to the specific context and provide relevant details and examples. While the phrase appears most frequently in news and media, it's also found in academic and scientific contexts, highlighting its broad applicability. Alternatives include "vague response", "non-specific reply", and "boilerplate answer".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Vague response

Focuses on the lack of clarity or detail in the answer.

Non-specific reply

Highlights the absence of particular details in the response.

Boilerplate answer

Emphasizes the use of a standard, pre-written response.

Cookie-cutter response

Draws attention to the formulaic and unoriginal nature of the answer.

Canned response

Indicates a pre-prepared and impersonal answer.

Stock answer

Suggests a common and uninspired response.

Pat answer

Implies a superficial and insincere response.

Form letter response

Highlights the impersonal and mass-produced nature of the response.

Standard reply

Emphasizes the conventional and unremarkable nature of the answer.

Generalized response

Focuses on the broad and undifferentiated nature of the answer.

FAQs

How can I avoid giving a "generic answer" in an interview?

Prepare specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your skills and accomplishments. Tailor your responses to the specific requirements of the job and the company. Show genuine enthusiasm and interest in the opportunity.

What are some alternatives to saying "generic answer"?

You can use alternatives like "vague response", "non-specific reply", or "boilerplate answer" to describe an unoriginal or uninspired reply.

Is it always bad to give a "generic answer"?

Not necessarily. In some situations, a concise and general response may be appropriate. However, it's important to assess the context and ensure that your answer addresses the question adequately and doesn't come across as dismissive or unengaged.

What does it mean when someone describes a response as a "generic answer"?

It typically means that the response is considered unoriginal, lacking in detail, and not tailored to the specific situation. It suggests that the person giving the answer didn't put much thought or effort into crafting a personalized reply.