a clear answer

USAGE SUMMARY

"a clear answer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to an answer that is concise and straight to the point. For example: "Jane provided a clear answer to my question about the new policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Neither had a clear answer.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I hope we get a clear answer.

The Guardian - Business

(He did not get a clear answer).

The New York Times

The statistics don't have a clear answer.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I give him a clear answer.

The Guardian - Sport

It's hard to find a clear answer.

The Guardian - Opinion

Cameron declined to give a clear answer.

The Guardian

Toner doesn't have a clear answer.

The Guardian

The advisers never got a clear answer why.

The New York Times

The Southern Weekend episode does not provide a clear answer.

The New York Times

Theories abound, but no one has a clear answer.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a clear answer" when you want to emphasize that the response is easy to understand and leaves no room for ambiguity. For example, "The scientist provided a clear answer to the complex question."

Common error

Avoid using "a clear answer" when the situation requires a nuanced or multi-faceted response. In such cases, a more detailed explanation might be necessary to avoid oversimplification.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clear answer" functions as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the object of a verb (e.g., 'give', 'provide', 'get', 'receive'). Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a clear answer" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes a response that is easily understood and unambiguous. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Science contexts. When using the phrase, ensure the response is straightforward and leaves no room for misinterpretation. Alternatives such as "a direct response" or "an unambiguous reply" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to avoid overusing the phrase in situations that require a more complex or nuanced explanation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a definitive response

Highlights the conclusive and authoritative nature of the answer.

an unequivocal answer

Indicates an answer that leaves no room for doubt.

an unambiguous reply

Highlights the lack of ambiguity in the answer.

a direct response

Emphasizes the straightforward nature of the reply.

an explicit answer

Focuses on the clear and detailed nature of the answer.

a concise response

Stresses the brevity and directness of the answer.

a precise response

Highlights the accuracy and exactness of the answer.

a straightforward explanation

Focuses on the clarity and simplicity of the explanation provided.

a plain answer

Emphasizes the simplicity and lack of complexity in the answer.

a simple explanation

Focuses on the ease of understanding provided by the explanation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a clear answer" to describe a response that is easy to understand and leaves no room for ambiguity. For example, "The professor gave "a clear answer" to the student's question".

What is the difference between "a clear answer" and "a definitive answer"?

"A clear answer" refers to an answer that is easy to understand, while "a definitive answer" suggests a final and authoritative response that settles a matter conclusively.

What are some alternatives to "a clear answer"?

Some alternatives to "a clear answer" include "a direct response", "an unambiguous reply", or "a straightforward explanation", depending on the context.

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

It is appropriate to use "a clear answer" when the situation calls for a response that is easily understood and leaves no room for misinterpretation. This is especially useful in situations where clarity is essential.