a proper answer

USAGE SUMMARY

"a proper answer" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you need to describe a response that is complete and accurate. For example: "He gave a proper answer to the question, showing his keen understanding of the matter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

We need a proper answer," said Powers.

The Guardian

If you raise your voice, you won't get a proper answer and people clam up.

The New York Times

"If I had given him a proper answer, maybe he would have accepted it.

The New York Times - Sports

I've been asked this many times and still don't have a proper answer.

The Guardian

It's all very well criticising the status quo, but much harder to come up with a proper answer.

The Guardian - Opinion

Jewish students deserve a proper answer and a proper apology for the rhetoric she's used in the past".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

The proper answer, a former city official volunteered, would have been to mention the marine transfer station at Gracie Mansion as a possible site for an incinerator.

The New York Times

So when Benn asked how it was possible to combine a humanitarian role with a military role, then the proper answer was that this is what the West has been doing all along.

Independent

No, the proper answer is that a decent newspaper is a platoon of similarly minded, but not identically minded, people who argue, debate and together fashion a view of the world which is distinctive.

The Guardian

Second, in some tests pictures could provide additional, and possibly even incongruent, information with regard to the verbal label, which could then produce a conflict when selecting the proper answer.

Attention, Perception & Psychophysics

The New Yorker, October 21 , 1939P. 13 In case anybody should ever ask you to pay the interest yo owe on a mortgage, we present herewith the proper answer.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a proper answer", ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes 'proper' in that specific situation. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a proper answer" when the criteria for 'proper' are vague or subjective. Instead, specify the desired qualities of the answer, such as accuracy, completeness, or relevance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a proper answer" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It denotes a response that meets specific criteria of correctness, appropriateness, or completeness, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a proper answer" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that signifies a response is accurate, complete, and contextually appropriate. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability, with examples spanning across news, scientific, and general informational sources. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure the criteria for 'proper' are well-defined to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases like "an appropriate response" or "a satisfactory explanation" can be used to add nuance, but remember that "a proper answer" is widely understood and readily accepted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an appropriate response

Emphasizes the suitability of the answer to the situation.

a fitting reply

Highlights the appropriateness and relevance of the response.

a satisfactory explanation

Focuses on the completeness and clarity of the answer.

an adequate solution

Suggests the answer effectively resolves the issue at hand.

a comprehensive explanation

Stresses the thoroughness and detail of the answer.

a correct solution

Implies the answer is not only correct but also a solution.

an accurate reply

Focuses on the truthfulness and precision of the response.

a valid justification

Emphasizes the legitimacy and support for the answer.

a complete response

Highlights the integrity of the response.

a thorough explanation

Suggests the answer is not only complete but also detailed.

FAQs

How to use "a proper answer" in a sentence?

You can use "a proper answer" to describe a response that is accurate, complete, and appropriate for the context. For example, "The student provided a proper answer to the teacher's question."

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

You can use alternatives like "an appropriate response", "a fitting reply", or "a satisfactory explanation" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a proper answer" or "the proper answer"?

Both "a proper answer" and "the proper answer" are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "A proper answer" refers to any answer that meets certain criteria, while "the proper answer" refers to the single, correct answer.

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

"A correct answer" simply means the answer is factually right. "A proper answer", on the other hand, implies that the answer is not only correct but also appropriate and complete within the given context. It's a more holistic assessment than merely being factually accurate.