a brilliant answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a brilliant answer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a response that is exceptionally clever or insightful. Example: "After much discussion, she finally provided a brilliant answer that clarified the entire issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

John's spirit sunk a little, though he still managed to give a brilliant answer.

The New Yorker

But any replica of a commonplace object could have done this; and it was Danto, not Warhol, who provided the intellectual/aesthetic excitement by formulating and developing a brilliant answer to the question.

The New York Times

This is a brilliant answer.

TechCrunch

To this, one Jewish scholar offered a brilliant answer.

Huffington Post

All the apparent swarms of men out there trying to figure out how to get the stifling, expensive faux-romance of Valentine's Day to actually lead to sex now have a brilliant answer -- buy some (ugly) flowers from Teleflora!

Huffington Post

At the opening ceremony, Tarrasch refused to talk to Lasker, only saying: "Mr. Lasker, I have only three words to say to you: check and mate!" Lasker gave a brilliant answer on the chessboard, winning four of the first five games, and playing a type of chess Tarrasch could not understand.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

To this day, through a life in academe, that is the most brilliant answer to a student's question I have ever heard.

Huffington Post

You can be refused permission to come aboard for carrying a traveling mug of tea: 'how was I supposed to know that,' I asked - to which I got the brilliant answer, 'There's a sign somewhere which tells you.

The Guardian

M.C.: I'd like to say I have a brilliant, linear answer.

Science Magazine

But that's to miss the point of In C's musical qualities, and its subtly brilliant answer to the conundrum of how you create a piece that simultaneously empowers its performers and insists that they listen to each other and take responsibility for the performance as much as the composer, but which is also always essentially itself, a piece that cannot be mistaken for any other.

The Guardian - Music

(Brilliant answer).

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a brilliant answer" to highlight the exceptional quality or ingenuity of a response, especially when it demonstrates insight or solves a complex problem. Ensure the context supports the strong positive connotation.

Common error

Avoid using "a brilliant answer" for simple or obvious responses. Reserve this phrase for answers that truly demonstrate exceptional intelligence or creativity, as overuse can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a brilliant answer" functions as a noun phrase that describes the quality of an answer. It emphasizes the high level of intelligence, insight, or cleverness contained within the response. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a brilliant answer" is a grammatically sound and generally well-regarded way to describe an exceptionally clever or insightful response. While not overly common, according to Ludwig, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, indicating a relatively neutral register. It is used to express admiration for a response that demonstrates intelligence, creativity, or profound understanding. When using this phrase, ensure that the context warrants the strong positive connotation and avoid overuse in mundane situations to maintain its impact. Consider alternatives such as "an ingenious response" or "an exceptionally insightful response" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an exceptionally insightful response

Replaces "brilliant" with "exceptionally insightful", highlighting depth of understanding.

an ingenious response

Replaces "brilliant" with "ingenious", implying cleverness and inventiveness.

a remarkably astute reply

Substitutes "brilliant" with "remarkably astute", emphasizing insightfulness and understanding.

a clever solution

Shifts focus from an answer to a solution, suggesting a problem-solving approach.

a strikingly intelligent retort

Uses "strikingly intelligent retort" to convey the cleverness and quickness of the response.

an inspired explanation

Highlights the creativity and originality of the answer.

a profoundly wise statement

Emphasizes the wisdom and depth of the answer.

an outstandingly smart comeback

Replaces "answer" with "comeback", suggesting a quick and witty response, and "brilliant" with "outstandingly smart".

a masterful clarification

Conveys skill and expertise in providing the answer.

a world-class response

Emphasizes the high quality and excellence of the answer.

FAQs

How can I use "a brilliant answer" in a sentence?

You can use "a brilliant answer" to describe a response that is exceptionally clever or insightful, for instance: "After much deliberation, she provided "a brilliant answer" that resolved the entire issue."

What are some alternatives to "a brilliant answer"?

You can use alternatives such as "an ingenious response", "an exceptionally insightful response", or "a clever solution" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a brilliant answer" in formal writing?

Yes, "a brilliant answer" can be appropriate in formal writing, especially when acknowledging a significant insight or solution. However, ensure the tone and context align with the level of formality.

What makes an answer qualify as "brilliant"?

A "brilliant" answer typically demonstrates exceptional intelligence, creativity, or insight. It often solves a complex problem, clarifies a difficult concept, or offers a novel perspective.