a complete answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a complete answer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a response that is comprehensive enough to satisfy a question or problem. For example: "John was able to provide a complete answer to the question about the company's marketing strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Humour is not a complete answer.

The Guardian - Opinion

MY nostalgia is not a complete answer, of course.

The New York Times

But he died before he could reach a complete answer.

The New York Times

There is a necessity for developing a complete answer representing standard tolerance practices.

Computer-Aided Design

No outsider can have a complete answer to such a question.

The New Yorker

This was never a complete answer, even in theory, and in practice it is proving shambolic.

The Guardian - Opinion

He has a complete answer to these charges, which he considers false and baseless.

The Guardian - Opinion

We respect you and know you want to give a complete answer".

The Guardian

Our list is by no means a complete answer to the biodiversity crisis.

The Guardian

No single thinker, party or school of thought offers a complete answer, or anything like it.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I don't think it is a complete answer," Mr. Hess said of the deal.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a complete answer", ensure that the context requires a thorough and exhaustive explanation, not just a brief response. For example, use it when addressing complex questions or problems.

Common error

Avoid using "a complete answer" when a simple "yes" or "no" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose. Prefer more concise terms such as "accurate answer" if the context allows it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a complete answer" functions as a noun phrase, where "complete" modifies the noun "answer". It signifies a thorough and exhaustive response that addresses all aspects of a question or problem. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a complete answer" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase denoting a thorough and exhaustive response. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use across various domains. It's particularly common in news, scientific, and academic contexts, signifying that the information provided is comprehensive and satisfactory. While versatile, it's best reserved for scenarios where detailed explanations are necessary, avoiding overuse in simple situations to maintain clarity and conciseness. Alternative phrases like "a comprehensive response" or "a thorough explanation" can be considered depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a comprehensive response

Indicates a thorough and detailed reply, often in a formal setting.

a thorough explanation

Focuses on providing a detailed and exhaustive account, emphasizing clarity and understanding.

a full explanation

Emphasizes that all relevant information is provided, leaving nothing out.

a definitive solution

Suggests a conclusive and final resolution to a problem, implying certainty.

a satisfactory reply

Implies that the response meets expectations or requirements, providing contentment.

an exhaustive account

Conveys extreme thoroughness and detail, covering every aspect of the topic.

a comprehensive solution

Indicates a broad and inclusive approach to resolving an issue.

the whole story

Suggests that all relevant facts and details are revealed, providing a complete picture.

a detailed account

Implies that the explanation includes specific and precise information.

a conclusive response

Highlights that the answer resolves uncertainty or debate, bringing closure.

FAQs

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

You can use "a complete answer" to describe a response that is thorough and leaves no questions unanswered. For example: "The professor provided "a complete answer" to the student's complex question".

What's the difference between ""a complete answer"" and "a correct answer"?

"A complete answer" is comprehensive and thorough, addressing all aspects of a question, while "a correct answer" simply means the information is accurate but might not be fully detailed.

What can I say instead of ""a complete answer""?

You can use alternatives like "a comprehensive response", "a thorough explanation", or "a full explanation" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use ""a complete answer"" in formal writing?

It's appropriate in formal writing when you need to convey that a response is exhaustive and covers all relevant details, such as in academic papers, legal documents, or detailed reports.