a clean answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clean answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want a straightforward, clear, and unambiguous response to a question or issue. Example: "I appreciate your detailed explanation, but what I really need is a clean answer to my question."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Uncovering a clean answer to the question "Who was the first novelist to use a word processor?" is a trickier business, though Mr. Kirschenbaum has promising leads.

The New York Times - Books

The Iowa caucuses did not deliver a clean answer to what type of candidate Republicans intend to rally behind to try to defeat Mr. Obama and win back the White House.

The New York Times

Others, like Gregory Tarle of the University of Michigan, cautioned that uncertainties in the galactic background of radiation might make it impossible to ever get a clean answer to the source of the positrons.

The New York Times - Science

The Iowa caucuses did not deliver a clean answer to what type of candidate Republicans intend to rally behind to try to defeat President Obama and win back the White House.

The New York Times

"Part of the reason we don't spend a lot of time looking at blogs," he said, "is because if you haven't looked at it very carefully, then you may be under the impression that somehow there's a clean answer one way or another — well, you just nationalize all the banks, or you just leave them alone and they'll be fine".

The New York Times

And part of the reason we don't spend a lot of time looking at blogs is because if you haven't looked at it very carefully then you may be under the impression that somehow there's a clean answer one way or another – well, you just nationalize all the banks, or you just leave them alone and they'll be fine, or this or that or the other.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

During her closing, she said, with frank bewilderment, "If you expect me to have an answer, a simple, clean answer as to how this could happen, I don't".

The New Yorker

Who doesn't want a clean, clear answer?

The New York Times

The FAQ section on the site did pose the pertinent question "Is it clean?" (Answer: the store launders or dry-cleans all applicable articles of clothing).

The New York Times - Tech

The superficially clean answer to the party's predicament is for Corbyn Labour and anti-Corbyn Labour to concede that their differences are irreconcilable and go their separate ways.

The Guardian - Opinion

Although that may not be the clean answer that historians, surviving family members and other scientists would like, it may be all that the fires of the World Trade Center have left to give.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure that the context supports the need for a straightforward and uncomplicated response. Avoid using it in situations where nuance and detailed explanations are preferred.

Common error

Avoid using "a clean answer" in casual conversations where a more nuanced or conversational response is expected. It can sound overly formal or even dismissive in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clean answer" functions as a noun phrase, where 'clean' modifies 'answer'. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable. It typically serves to emphasize the clarity and lack of ambiguity in a response, as seen in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a clean answer" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a response that is straightforward and free from ambiguity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While not exceedingly common, it appears across various contexts, including news, scientific discussions, and general explanations. For alternative expressions, consider "a straightforward response" or "a clear explanation". When using this phrase, ensure the context warrants a clear and direct answer, avoiding overuse in informal settings where nuance is preferred.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a straightforward response

Replaces "clean" with "straightforward", emphasizing directness and lack of ambiguity.

an unambiguous reply

Substitutes "clean" with "unambiguous", highlighting the absence of any potential misinterpretation.

a clear explanation

Focuses on the clarity of the explanation rather than the answer itself, suitable when seeking detailed understanding.

a direct response

Highlights the direct and immediate nature of the answer.

a crisp answer

Replaces "clean" with "crisp", suggesting a concise and well-defined response.

a precise clarification

Highlights the accuracy and specificity of the answer, suitable when detailed information is required.

a lucid explanation

Emphasizes the understandability and clarity of the explanation provided.

a definite resolution

Emphasizes the decisiveness and finality of the answer, often used in problem-solving scenarios.

a plain answer

Highlights the simplicity and lack of embellishment in the answer.

a simple solution

Focuses on the simplicity of the solution being provided.

FAQs

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

You can use "a clean answer" when you want a straightforward and unambiguous response. For example, "The politician promised "a clean answer" regarding the allegations."

What's a good alternative to "a clean answer"?

Alternatives include "a straightforward response", "a clear explanation", or "an unambiguous reply", depending on the specific context.

Is "a clean answer" the same as "a clear answer"?

While similar, "a clean answer" emphasizes the lack of ambiguity and straightforwardness, while "a clear answer" focuses on understandability. They can often be used interchangeably, but the nuance differs slightly.

When is it appropriate to use "a clean answer"?

It's appropriate when you need a response that is direct, uncomplicated, and leaves no room for misinterpretation, especially in formal or technical discussions.