a ready answer

USAGE SUMMARY

"a ready answer" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
You can use it to refer to an answer that is prepared in advance. For example: "The politician had a ready answer to every question asked."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He had a ready answer.

The New York Times

Conservatives have a ready answer.

The New York Times - Books

Ms. Gamble had a ready answer.

The New York Times

Bisping didn't have a ready answer.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. De Paolis has a ready answer.

The New York Times

He always had a ready answer.

The Guardian

By evening, Mr. Turner had a ready answer.

The New York Times

Ms. Vázquez Mota had a ready answer on Sunday night.

The New York Times

The Navajos, it turns out, have a ready answer.

The New York Times - Travel

I had a ready answer: "No one -- I'm a columnist".

The New York Times

There doesn't appear to be a ready answer.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a ready answer" when you want to emphasize that someone is prepared to respond to a question or situation without hesitation. It suggests forethought and preparedness.

Common error

Avoid using "a ready answer" when the context implies uncertainty or reluctance. If the answer is given after some thought or hesitation, it's better to describe it as a thoughtful response or a considered opinion, rather than implying immediate preparedness.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a ready answer" is that of a noun phrase, acting as the object or complement in a sentence. It describes a quality or characteristic of the subject, indicating their preparedness to respond. Ludwig shows many examples where this phrase is effectively used in various sentence structures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a ready answer" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe someone who is prepared to respond promptly and knowledgeably. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted and used across various contexts, but especially in news and media. When using "a ready answer", remember that it implies preparedness and forethought. If you're looking for alternatives, consider "an immediate response" or "a prepared statement", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey. Be mindful of potential misinterpretations; a too-rehearsed answer might come across as insincere.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a stock answer

Indicates a standard or common answer given repeatedly.

a canned response

Similar to 'stock answer' but often implies insincerity or lack of thought.

an immediate response

Focuses on the speed of the answer rather than its preparation.

a prompt reply

Emphasizes the quickness and directness of the answer.

a pat answer

Suggests a facile or oversimplified answer, often used to dismiss a question.

an instant solution

Highlights the problem-solving aspect of having an answer ready.

a well-rehearsed reply

Highlights the practice and preparation behind the answer.

a quick retort

Implies a witty or sharp answer, often defensive.

a prepared statement

Suggests a more formal and carefully crafted answer.

an off-the-cuff response

While usually meaning 'without preparation', it can sometimes refer to a frequently given answer.

FAQs

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

You can use "a ready answer" to describe someone who has a prepared or immediate response to a question or situation. For example, "The politician had "a ready answer" for every question asked during the debate."

What's the difference between "a ready answer" and "a prepared statement"?

"A ready answer" implies an immediate, often spoken response, while "a prepared statement" suggests a formal, written response that has been carefully crafted in advance. The former is more conversational, the latter more formal.

Are there situations where "a ready answer" might be perceived negatively?

Yes, if the answer seems too rehearsed or insincere, it might be seen as a "canned response" or a "pat answer", lacking genuine thought or consideration.

What are some alternatives to "a ready answer" that still convey preparedness?

Alternatives include phrases like "an immediate response", "a prompt reply", or "a stock answer", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. "A well-rehearsed reply" is another alternative.